A root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, is a procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, fills, and seals it to save the natural tooth. At Periovital Clinic in Tijuana, minutes from the San Diego border, root canal treatment is performed with modern techniques and technology under the oversight of Dr. Ilse Lugo, a board-trained periodontist and full-arch implant specialist with two decades of focused experience. Our goal is to relieve your pain and preserve your tooth whenever possible.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
The soft tissue inside your tooth, the pulp, can become infected or damaged from deep decay, trauma, a cracked or chipped tooth, large fillings, or repeated dental work. Common signs include severe pain when chewing, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening of the tooth, swollen gums, or a persistent pimple on the gum.
A root canal addresses the problem at its source by clearing the infection from inside the tooth and sealing it, so you can keep your natural tooth rather than extract it. Endodontic therapy has a high success rate and, once restored, the treated tooth can function for years.
The Root Canal Treatment procedure: what to expect
After a comprehensive exam and digital X-rays confirm the diagnosis, local anesthesia keeps you comfortable and a dental dam isolates the tooth in a sterile field. The dentist creates a small opening, removes the infected pulp, then cleans, shapes, and disinfects the canals using rotary instruments and electronic apex locators. The canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealed, a temporary filling protects the tooth, and a permanent crown or filling is placed to restore full function.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Saves your tooth: preserves the natural tooth instead of extracting it.
- Relieves pain: removes the infected pulp that causes severe discomfort.
- Stops infection: sealing the canals helps prevent the infection from returning.
- Restores function: a final crown or filling returns normal chewing and biting.
- High success rate: modern endodontic therapy is reliable and long-lasting.
Am I a candidate for Root Canal Treatment?
You may be a candidate if you have deep decay reaching the pulp, a cracked or chipped tooth exposing the inner layers, lingering sensitivity, or pain and swelling around a specific tooth. A clinical exam with digital X-rays is the only way to be certain: at your free consultation Dr. Lugo and the team assess the tooth and recommend root canal treatment only when it is the right way to save it.
Recovery and aftercare
Most patients feel mild discomfort for a few days that improves steadily, and many return to normal activities quickly. Take any prescribed or over-the-counter medication as directed, favor soft foods at first, and wait until the numbness fades before eating. Keep brushing and flossing gently around the treated tooth, attend your follow-up to complete the permanent restoration, and contact us if anything feels unusual.
How much does Root Canal Treatment cost in Tijuana?
Root canal treatment at Periovital costs significantly less than in the US, with most cross-border patients saving roughly 50 to 70 percent while receiving high-quality materials and care. Your free initial consultation includes a 3D scan and a written, itemized quote with no upsell, and we provide detailed receipts you can submit for FSA or HSA reimbursement.
Why choose Periovital for Root Canal Treatment?
At Periovital, your treatment is overseen by Dr. Ilse Lugo, a specialist who personally reviews every case, in a modern, sterile facility equipped with advanced diagnostic and endodontic technology. Our in-house lab supports prompt, precise restorations, and we make cross-border care simple with a free shuttle from San Diego, a bilingual English and Spanish coordinator, and a location minutes from the border. A 5.0 star rating across 24 Google reviews reflects the trust patients place in our care.