Endodontic Treatment in Sacramento, CA

A throbbing toothache, a tooth that has turned gray, or a chip from an unexpected fall can leave you worried about losing a tooth for good. The good news is that endodontic treatment can often save it. At Scripps Family Dental, Dr. Sandra Fouladi and Dr. Christy Rollofson Porrino focus on protecting your natural smile with calm, careful treatment that puts your comfort first.

This page gives you an overview of how we approach endodontic care, what to expect at your visit, and how each treatment fits together to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

What Is Endodontic Treatment?

“Endo” means inside, and “odont” means tooth. Endodontic treatment focuses on the soft inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed, infected, or injured, it can cause pain, sensitivity, swelling, or discoloration.

Rather than removing the tooth, endodontic treatment fixes the problem from the inside. Our goal is simple: relieve discomfort, clear away infection, and keep as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Internal Bleaching

An infection of the dental pulp can give the tooth a darkened, discolored appearance on the outside.

Post & Core

If a large enough portion of a tooth is missing, whether because of a cavity, the loss of a filling, or the access cavity from root canal work, a restorative dentist can’t simply place a crown on the tooth, because it won’t be stable enough.

Traumatic Injuries

Even when we take excellent care of our teeth, sometimes accidents happen and cause significant damage. If this happens to you or someone you love, it is critical to get treatment as quickly as possible, because it may be possible to save the affected tooth or teeth!

Before Treatment

We start with a thorough exam and digital X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface. We will explain what we find in plain language, walk you through your options, and answer every question before anything begins.

During Treatment

Your tooth and the area around it are fully numbed so you stay comfortable. We then clean and treat the affected area, seal it to keep bacteria out, and place a temporary or permanent restoration as needed.

After Treatment

Most patients return to their normal routine the same day or the next. Some mild tenderness is common for a few days and usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers. In many cases, we recommend a crown afterward to protect the treated tooth for years to come.

Technology That Supports Your Care

Modern tools help us find problems early and treat them with precision. Here is a quick look at what we use:

Technology	Benefit	What It Means for You
Digital X-rays	Detailed images with less radiation	Faster, safer diagnosis
Intraoral camera	Close-up views of your tooth	You see what we see
Ultrasonic instruments	Gentle, precise cleaning	More comfortable treatment

Comfort and Care You Can Count On

We know many people feel nervous about endodontic treatment. Our team takes extra time to explain each step, check in with you throughout your visit, and make sure you feel at ease. You are always welcome to ask for a break or let us know if something feels off.

Experienced, Trusted Dentists

Dr. Fouladi and Dr. Rollofson Porrino are committed to ongoing education and high standards of care. Our practice is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the Sacramento District Dental Society. Families from Sacramento, Arden Arcade, and East Sacramento trust us for endodontic treatment in Sacramento, CA because we treat every patient like a neighbor.

Endodontic Treatment FAQs

Does endodontic treatment hurt?

Most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. The tooth is fully numbed, and treatment often relieves the pain that brought you in.

How long does endodontic treatment take?

Many procedures are completed in one or two visits. We will give you a clear timeline during your consultation.

Is it better to save a tooth or pull it?

Keeping your natural tooth is usually the best choice when possible. It helps you chew normally, protects your jawbone, and avoids the cost of replacing a missing tooth.

Do you offer payment options?

Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit, and we are happy to help you check your insurance benefits.

Save Your Smile With Expert Endodontic Care

Tooth pain is not something you have to live with, and losing a tooth is not your only option. If you have noticed sensitivity, swelling, discoloration, or damage, the sooner we take a look, the more of your natural tooth we can save. Call Scripps Family Dental or request your appointment online today. Our friendly team is glad to answer questions, verify your insurance, and help you feel confident about your next step.

Endodontic Treatment