Is a root canal painful?

With modern anesthetics and gentle technique, most patients report that root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. The procedure actually relieves the pain caused by the infected tooth.

How long does a root canal take at Gleem Dental?

A routine root canal typically takes one to two appointments, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. The exact time depends on the tooth's location and the complexity of the infection.

Does insurance cover root canal treatment in New Orleans?

Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of root canal treatment, often 50% to 80% after the deductible. Gleem Dental accepts most major carriers, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare.

Can I get a same-day root canal appointment?

Yes. Gleem Dental welcomes same-day emergency appointments for patients experiencing severe tooth pain. Call our office to schedule an urgent visit.

Restorative Dentistry • Save Your Tooth

Root Canal Treatment in New Orleans

Q: Do I need a crown after a root canal?

A dental crown is typically recommended after root canal treatment to protect the tooth from fracture and restore its full function. Dr. Greene will discuss the best restoration option for your specific case.

A root canal has a scary reputation it doesn't deserve. When the soft pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, the procedure gently removes the damage, relieves your pain, and saves the natural tooth — no extraction needed. At Gleem Dental, Dr. Caylin Greene performs comfortable, modern root canals in our Lakeview studio, with same-day and emergency appointments available.

Book Appointment (504) 553-1393

Saves Your Natural Tooth

Gentle, Comfortable Care

Same-Day & Emergency Visits

Most Insurance Accepted

◦ Relief, Not Fear

Ending the pain,
saving the tooth.

Inside every tooth is a soft core called the pulp. When deep decay, a crack, or trauma lets bacteria reach it, the pulp becomes infected — causing pain and threatening the tooth. A root canal removes that infection so the tooth can stay.

Why It Matters

A Root Canal Relieves Pain

The myth that root canals are painful is exactly backwards. It's the infected pulp that hurts — the treatment is what makes the pain stop. Performed under local anesthesia, a modern root canal is comfortable and quiet, allowing you to keep a tooth that might otherwise be lost.

You May Need One If:

You have lingering tooth pain or sensitivity
A deep cavity, crack, or injury has reached the pulp
There's swelling or tenderness around a tooth

What to Expect

Clean, Seal, and Protect

Dr. Greene gently removes the damaged pulp, then cleans and disinfects the tiny canals inside the tooth. Once clear of infection, the canals are filled and sealed. A crown is usually placed afterward to restore full strength — completing a tooth that looks and functions like your own.

The Lasting Benefits:

Keeps your natural tooth in place
Stops infection and relieves pain
Restored strength with a protective crown

In pain right now? We welcome same-day and emergency appointments whenever possible — just call.

◦ Weighing Options

Root Canal vs.
Extraction.

When a tooth is badly infected, you generally have two paths: save it with a root canal, or remove it. Here's how they compare.

Related Treatments:

Crowns & Bridges•Tooth Extractions

Feature	Root Canal	Extraction
Natural tooth	Preserves and restores your own tooth	Removes the tooth entirely
Pain relief	Ends infection-related pain at the source	Relieves pain by removing the tooth
Follow-up care	Usually finished with a protective crown	Often needs an implant or bridge to fill the gap
Cost over time	Typically more economical long-term	Replacement options add cost later
Function	Chew and bite like normal	Neighboring teeth may shift without replacement

◦ The Gleem Difference

Root canals, made gentle.

We combine careful diagnosis with a calm, unhurried environment — so treatment feels nothing like the stories you've heard.

Precise Digital Imaging.

Dr. Greene uses detailed digital X-rays to map the exact shape of your canals, so the source of infection is treated thoroughly and nothing is missed.

01 / DIAGNOSIS

Truly Painless Treatment.

Modern techniques and gentle local anesthesia mean a root canal today feels much like a routine filling — calm, quiet, and comfortable from start to finish.

02 / COMFORT

A Reassuring Experience.

From sedation options to our spa-like Lakeview studio, every step is designed to ease anxiety and help you relax while we save your tooth.

03 / CARE

◦ Meet the doctor

An artist's eye.
A clinician's precision.

Dr. Caylin Greene earned her DDS from Howard University College of Dentistry in 2016 and brings more than 10 years of experience to her patients. In 2025 she founded Gleem to bring elevated, comprehensive cosmetic care to Lakeview — with advanced training in Invisalign and a quiet obsession with proportion, light, and facial harmony.

Education

Howard University, DDS

Experience

10+ years

Specialties

Invisalign · Cosmetic

Meet Dr. Greene Explore Services

Founder

Dr. Caylin Greene,
DDS

◦ Your Journey

What a root canal looks like.

Most root canals are completed comfortably in one or two visits. Here's exactly what happens, so there are no surprises.

Diagnosis

Dr. Greene examines the tooth and takes digital X-rays to confirm the pulp is infected or inflamed and to plan treatment. We'll explain exactly what's happening and answer every question.

Comfort First

The area is fully numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation is available if you'd like it. Most patients are surprised how relaxed and pain-free the appointment feels.

Clean & Seal

The damaged pulp is gently removed, and the canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped. We then fill and seal them to prevent reinfection and stop the pain at its source.

Protect

A crown is usually placed afterward to restore full strength and protect the treated tooth for years to come, letting you bite and chew with complete confidence.

◦ Frequently asked

Questions,
answered.

Does a root canal hurt?

This is the most common worry — and the good news is that modern root canals are quite comfortable. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during treatment. In fact, a root canal relieves the pain caused by an infected or inflamed tooth rather than causing it. Mild tenderness for a day or two afterward is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Why not just pull the tooth instead?

Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the best option. Nothing functions quite like your own tooth, and keeping it preserves your bite and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting. Extraction leaves a gap that usually needs to be filled later with a replacement, which adds time and cost. A root canal lets you keep the tooth you already have.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Common signs include lingering tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn't go away, pain when biting, swelling or tenderness in the gums, or a darkening tooth. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all, and the issue is found during a routine exam. If you're in pain, don't wait — call us and we'll get you seen quickly.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

In most cases, yes. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth can become more brittle, so a crown is placed to restore its strength and protect it from cracking. Dr. Greene will let you know what your specific tooth needs to stay healthy long-term.

Can I get treated the same day if I'm in pain?

Yes. We understand tooth pain can't wait, so we welcome same-day and emergency appointments whenever possible. Call our office and we'll do everything we can to see you quickly, relieve your discomfort, and start protecting your tooth right away.

◦ Begin

Dentistry that's
designed around you.

Whether it's a routine cleaning or a complete Invisalign journey, your first visit is the easy part. We'll handle the rest.

Book Your Visit (504) 553-1393