Root canal treatment
A root canal is how a badly damaged tooth is saved instead of extracted. Our endodontist does it under anesthesia, and the pain goes away from the first visit.
What a root canal is and when you need one.
When decay or an injury reaches the nerve, the tooth hurts, becomes sensitive to heat or forms an abscess. In a root canal the inside of the root is cleaned, disinfected and sealed; the tooth stays in place and stops hurting.
It takes one or two visits of about an hour. Afterwards a crown is almost always recommended so the tooth doesn't fracture; it's planned at the same clinic, with a payment plan if you need one.
Signs you need one
- Strong throbbing pain, especially at night
- Sensitivity to heat that lasts minutes
- An abscess or pus bump on the gum
- A tooth that darkened after a knock
- Pain when chewing on one tooth
Who will see you
Dr. Aníbal Santos
Orthodontics and maxillofacial orthopedics
Meet the teamHow much does it cost?
The price depends on each case. At your evaluation you get a complete, no-obligation quote before anything starts.
For implants, braces and root canals we arrange installment plans at the clinic, based on your case.
Ask on WhatsAppAnything else? Message us on WhatsApp.
What we get asked most.
What should I do if I have a toothache?
Book a same-day or next-day visit: a toothache almost always means deep decay, infection or an inflamed nerve, and it will not go away on its own. Meanwhile, rinse with warm salt water, avoid very hot, cold or hard foods on that side, and do not apply anything directly to the gum. At Santos Dental (Santa Rita de Copán) emergencies are seen by a general dentist — book online or message us on WhatsApp at +504 3315-4258.
Why does a toothache feel worse at night?
When you lie down, blood pressure in your head increases and the inflammation around the tooth nerve is felt more — that is why the pain "throbs" harder at night. It is a sign the problem is advancing, not improving. Sleep with your head slightly elevated and book for the next day; we are also open Saturday mornings.
What is a gum abscess (a bump on the gum) and what should I do?
A bump on the gum next to a tooth root is usually an abscess: a small pocket of infection that may drain. Do not pop it and do not ignore it — the infection can spread. It needs prompt dental care: it is typically drained and the cause (deep decay or a root canal problem) is treated. Book as an urgency and we will see you right away.
Do you do root canals?
Yes — root canal treatment is done at our clinic with anesthesia and without pain, and it is how a badly damaged tooth is saved instead of extracted. If you have strong pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, or a bump on your gum, you probably need one. Book an evaluation and we will confirm the diagnosis.
How does the Santos Dental payment plan work?
We offer installment plans for treatments such as implants, braces and root canals, arranged directly at the clinic for your case. From the patient portal you can check your balance and payments anytime.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Usually one or two visits of about an hour, depending on the tooth and whether there is infection. After the root canal the tooth usually needs a crown so it does not fracture, which is planned at the same clinic. Our endodontist does it under local anesthesia; the pain you had before treatment goes away from the first visit.
Whenever you're ready, the calendar is open.
Pick a dentist and a time; the reason is already set. We confirm by WhatsApp.