Root Canal in Hopkins & St. Paul
If you need an emergency root canal in Hopkins or St. Paul, we can help. Shamblott Family Dentistry is open early mornings, evenings until 7PM and Saturdays at both locations.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure to remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes infected, it causes significant pain and can spread to surrounding teeth and bone if left untreated. Shamblott Family Dentistry provides root canal Twin Cities patients have trusted for years, at our Hopkins and St. Paul offices.
Root canal therapy removes the diseased tissue, cleans and sterilizes the canals inside the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection. The procedure saves your natural tooth — which is always the best option for your long-term oral health.
Root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being painful. In reality, the procedure itself is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients tell us they feel significant relief after treatment — because the source of their pain has been removed.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Not all tooth pain means you need a root canal — but these are the most common signs that the pulp inside your tooth may be infected or damaged:
- A severe toothache that wakes you up at night or persists when you bite or chew
- Swelling or tenderness in your gums or face
- A pimple-like bump on your gums near the painful tooth
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- A cracked or chipped tooth that has become painful
- Sometimes there are no symptoms at all — which is why regular exams matter
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not wait. A dental infection will not go away on its own and can become a serious health risk if left untreated.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Your tooth is numbed completely before the procedure begins. Sedation options are available if you feel anxious. Once you are comfortable, our team removes the damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the canals inside the tooth, and fills them with a material called gutta percha to seal the tooth.
Most teeth that receive root canal treatment will need a crown afterward to protect the tooth from fracturing. Our team will walk you through every step so you always know what to expect.
Root Canals Don’t Have to Be Scary
Root canals have a reputation that they simply do not deserve. The procedure is typically painless — and for most patients, the relief they feel afterward is immediate. The pain you feel before a root canal is caused by the infection, not the treatment.
At Shamblott Family Dentistry, we have extensive expertise in treating patients who feel fearful or anxious about dental care. Dr. Shamblott has authored two books on the subject — “Fear-Free Dental Care — Finding a Dentist You Can Love” and “Help! My Tooth Hurts — Your Guide to Feeling Better Fast.” Our entire team is trained to help you feel calm, informed and comfortable throughout your visit.
Sedation options are available at both our Hopkins and St. Paul offices, including oral sedation and IV sedation for patients who need a higher level of comfort. Many patients tell us they have little or no memory of the procedure afterward.
Root Canal — Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they feel during the procedure. Your tooth will be completely numbed beforehand, and sedation options are available for anxious patients. The pain you feel before a root canal — caused by the infection — is almost always worse than the procedure itself.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments, typically lasting between 60 and 90 minutes each. Your dentist will give you a more accurate estimate based on the complexity of your case.
Can I drive myself home after a root canal?
If you choose local anesthesia only, you can drive yourself home. If you choose oral or IV sedation, you will need someone to drive you. Our team will remind you of this when you schedule your appointment.
What happens after a root canal?
Some soreness and sensitivity are normal for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient. Most patients return to normal activities the following day. You will likely need to return for a crown to protect the treated tooth.
Does insurance cover root canals?
Most dental insurance plans cover root canal treatment, though coverage levels vary. Our team can help you understand your benefits before your appointment.
Can I get sedation for my root canal?
Absolutely. Sedation options including oral sedation and IV sedation are available at both our Hopkins and St. Paul offices. If anxiety has been holding you back from getting treatment, please tell us when you call — we will make sure you are comfortable.
Schedule Your Root Canal Appointment
If you are in pain, do not wait. Our team is here to help you get relief as quickly as possible. We offer root canal treatment at both our Hopkins and St. Paul offices, with sedation available for anxious patients.
Hopkins Office
33 South 10th St., Suite 250, Hopkins, MN 55343
Monday – Thursday 7AM – 7PM | Friday 7AM – 4PM | Saturday 8AM – 4PM
St. Paul Office
400 Selby Avenue, Suite A, St. Paul, MN 55102
Monday – Thursday 7AM – 5PM | Wednesday 7AM – 7PM | Friday 7AM – 4PM