Save the Tooth, Skip the Fear
Yes, we do root canal treatment at D Street Dental Group in San Rafael. A root canal treats infection or damage deep inside a tooth, where the nerve lives. It has a scary reputation, but the goal is to stop your pain, not cause it, and with today's anesthetic the visit feels much like getting a filling.
Inside every tooth is a soft core called the pulp, made of nerves and blood vessels. When a deep cavity, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the pulp gets infected. That is what causes the throbbing, and left alone the infection can spread and cost you the tooth. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the inside, and seals it. Keeping your own tooth matters for more than looks, because your natural tooth holds your bite and jaw in place better than anything that would replace it.
Signs You Might Need One
It is worth getting checked if you notice:
- A tooth that aches on its own, or lingers with pain after something hot or cold
- Sharp pain when you bite down, or a deep cavity you can feel
- Swelling, tenderness, or a pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
- A tooth that was cracked, chipped, or knocked in an accident
Sometimes an infected tooth causes no pain at all yet and only shows up on an X-ray. The only way to know for sure is an exam, and that is where Dr. Steve starts.
What to Expect
- Exam & digital X-ray We look at the tooth, take a digital X-ray to see the infection, and explain what is going on before anything begins.
- Numbing & comfort The tooth is fully numbed with local anesthetic. Nitrous oxide and a full comfort menu are there if you want them.
- Cleaning the tooth The infected tissue is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, which relieves the pressure and pain.
- Sealing & protecting The tooth is sealed, and a crown often follows to protect it so it holds up to years of chewing.
Why D Street Dental Group
Dr. Steve Truman
Dr. Steve earned his DDS from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and served as a clinical instructor training first-year dental students. Restorative work is the core of what he does, which means many procedures other offices send out get handled here, in a place you already know. He plans every case carefully and shows you what is happening with photos and X-rays, so a root canal stops feeling like a mystery.
Cost & Membership
Root canal cost depends on which tooth is involved and how many canals it has, and a back tooth usually needs a crown afterward, so we give you a clear, itemized estimate before treatment starts. No surprises.
We're out of network for all dental insurance, but our in-house "D is for Dental" membership takes 20% off treatment, with flexible in-office payment plans available. See membership plans →
Root Canal Questions
Does a root canal hurt?
A root canal is done with local anesthetic, so the tooth is numb the whole time and most people feel little more than they would for a deep filling. The procedure relieves the pain the infection was causing. The tooth may be tender for a few days afterward, which settles with over-the-counter pain relief. If anxiety is a concern, we offer nitrous oxide and a full comfort menu.
How much does a root canal cost in San Rafael?
Cost depends on which tooth is involved and how many canals it has, and a back tooth usually needs a crown afterward. We give you a clear, itemized estimate before treatment begins. Members of our in-house "D is for Dental" plan receive 20% off restorative & major work, and flexible in-office payment plans are available. Call (415) 453-0744 for an evaluation.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes, especially for back teeth that do the heavy chewing. A treated tooth can become more brittle, and a crown protects it from cracking so it lasts. Front teeth do not always need one. Dr. Steve tells you what your specific tooth needs and why.
Should I just have the tooth pulled instead?
Keeping your natural tooth is usually the better choice. Your own tooth holds your bite and jawbone in place better than anything that replaces it, and pulling it leaves a gap that later needs an implant or bridge. Extraction is sometimes the right call, and Dr. Steve will give you an honest comparison rather than pushing one path.
How long does a root canal take?
Many root canals are finished in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and how much infection is present. Dr. Steve maps out the full plan at your first visit, including whether a crown will follow, so you know what to expect.
Request Your Appointment
Tell us what you need and we'll reach out within one business day. Prefer to talk now? Call (415) 453-0744.
In Pain? Let's Take a Look.
New patients are always welcome. We'll reach out within one business day.