Root Canal in Berkeley: What to Expect, Start to Finish
Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth so the natural tooth can stay in place. An exam and imaging confirm the diagnosis. The dentist also checks whether the tooth can receive a permanent restoration, such as a filling or crown, after treatment.
Total Health Dental Care (THDC) has two Berkeley offices: Dana Street at 2522 Dana Street, Suite 101, and Telegraph Avenue at 3017 Telegraph Avenue, Suite 300. THDC's root canal specialist, or endodontist, is Dr. Amanda Lavorini. You'll receive the treatment plan and estimated cost in writing before treatment starts.
Last updated: September 22, 2026
What happens before a root canal starts?
Your dentist or endodontist first confirms which tooth is causing the problem. That evaluation can include your symptoms, a clinical exam, and dental imaging. The clinician also checks for a crack and how much healthy tooth remains.
Ask the clinician to explain which examination, test, or imaging findings support the diagnosis. Deep decay, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental work can inflame or infect the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth. Pain alone doesn’t identify the right treatment.
What happens during the root canal appointment?
The clinician numbs the area with local anesthesia and isolates the tooth. A small opening gives access to the chamber inside the tooth and the canals in its roots. The clinician removes the inflamed or infected tissue, then cleans, disinfects, and shapes the canals.
The clinician then fills and seals the canals. A temporary filling may close the opening until the tooth receives its permanent filling or crown. The clinician will tell you whether treatment and restoration need separate appointments.
What does the root canal timeline look like?
| Stage | Timing | Decision before you leave |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Before treatment. Same-day treatment depends on the diagnosis and schedule. | Can the tooth receive root canal treatment and a permanent restoration? |
| Treatment | One or two appointments, depending on tooth anatomy, infection, and prior treatment. | Will I leave with a temporary filling? |
| Early recovery | The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) says jaw and facial numbness can last several hours. THDC says mild tenderness can last a few days to a week. | Which symptoms should make me call the office? |
| Filling or crown | The treatment plan states when the permanent restoration will be placed. | When can I chew on the tooth normally? |
Does a root canal hurt?
NHS patient guidance says you'll usually be awake but shouldn't feel pain during the procedure.
You may feel pressure during treatment. Tell the clinician if you feel pain so the anesthesia can be adjusted. Call the treating office if pain becomes severe or gets worse afterward.
Can a Berkeley root canal be done the same day?
Call (510) 495-1075 to ask about treatment today. Describe your symptoms, when they started, and any swelling. THDC's scheduling team can confirm the available appointment and its location. Urgent specialty care is coordinated through Rotunda Specialty Center at 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 100, Oakland. Confirm where to go before leaving Berkeley.
If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, facial trauma, or rapidly spreading swelling, seek emergency medical care.
What should you do after a root canal?
Wait until the numbness has worn off before eating. Follow the medication and care instructions from your dentist or endodontist. Brush and floss as directed, but don’t chew heavily on the treated tooth until the clinician says you can use it normally.
Call the dental office if:
- Pain or pressure is severe or getting worse.
- You see swelling inside or outside your mouth.
- Your bite feels uneven.
- A temporary filling or crown comes out.
- Your original symptoms return.
Will you need a crown after the root canal?
Your dentist will recommend a restoration based on the tooth's location, the chewing force it handles, and how much healthy structure remains. Back teeth, including molars and premolars, may need crowns. Ask why the recommended restoration suits your tooth and whether its cost is included in the written estimate.
How is root canal cost determined?
The cost depends on which tooth needs treatment, the complexity of the case, whether prior treatment must be redone, and the final restoration. THDC checks insurance coverage and gives you an estimated cost in writing before treatment.
For patients without dental insurance, the current Loyalty Plan costs $600 per year and requires a 2-year commitment. The plan offers 50% off general and specialty treatment until the member receives $2,000 in discount savings during the plan year.
Discounts can't be combined with other offers or promotions. Ask for the current written terms and an estimate showing how the plan applies to your treatment. The root canal cost guide explains these cost factors in more detail.
How do you know whether a root canal is the right treatment?
Ask the clinician four questions:
- What is the diagnosis?
- Can you show me the finding on the image?
- Can the tooth be restored after treatment?
- What are the reasonable alternatives to root canal treatment?
If you still don't understand the recommendation, ask whether there's time to seek a second opinion safely. Some findings require examination or tests as well as imaging.
Read the second-opinion guide for the questions to bring. If the tooth needs urgent care, the same-day care guide explains how THDC handles root canals and extractions.
What questions do Berkeley patients ask about root canals?
Can a tooth that's already had a root canal be treated again?
In some cases, an endodontist can repeat root canal treatment. Ask what caused the new problem and whether retreatment, surgery, or extraction is recommended. THDC lists retreatment among the services at Rotunda Specialty Center.
Can I go back to work after a root canal?
Ask when scheduling whether you should plan to miss work on the day of treatment or the next day. If the procedure uses only local anesthesia, ask the clinician whether you're cleared to drive. Arrange a ride if you receive sedation or medication that makes you drowsy. Follow the restrictions from your treating clinician.
What if my tooth stops hurting before the appointment?
Keep the appointment unless the dental team tells you otherwise. Symptoms alone can't confirm the tooth's condition. An exam and imaging can show whether it still needs treatment.
Can I get a second opinion before treatment?
Yes. Bring the X-rays and written treatment plan if you have them. Ask the second clinician to explain the diagnosis, restoration plan, alternatives, and likely result of waiting.
Where can you find Total Health Dental Care?
You can visit either Berkeley office or any of THDC's 13 offices:
- Old Oakland - Oakland, 827 Broadway, Suite 320, Oakland
- 15th Street - Oakland, 363 15th Street, Oakland
- Grand Ave - Oakland, 3931 Grand Avenue, Suite 202, Oakland
- Temescal - Oakland, 407 41st Street, Oakland
- Montclair - Oakland, 6201 Antioch Street, Suite 102, Oakland
- Piedmont, 1880 Pleasant Valley Avenue, Suite F, Oakland
- Dana Street - Berkeley, 2522 Dana Street, Suite 101, Berkeley
- Telegraph - Berkeley, 3017 Telegraph Avenue, Suite 300, Berkeley
- Albany, 1396 Solano Avenue, Albany
- Emeryville, 2334 Powell Street, Emeryville
- Marina - Alameda, 809 Marina Village Parkway, Alameda
- Belmont, 390 El Camino Real, Suite D, Belmont
- Rotunda Specialty Center, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 100, Oakland
Learn about THDC root canal treatment, schedule an appointment, or call (510) 495-1075.
