At Torrance Dental Care, our goal is always to help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible. When decay or infection reaches the inner layers of a tooth, root canal therapy is often the most effective way to relieve pain, treat the infection, and preserve the tooth rather than removing it.
We understand that root canal treatment has a reputation for being uncomfortable. With modern anesthesia and techniques, most patients find that having a root canal feels very similar to getting a routine filling. Our team takes the time to explain every step of the process so you know exactly what to expect and can feel at ease throughout your visit.
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen for several reasons, including:
Common signs that a tooth may need root canal therapy include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing or applying pressure, swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums, or a tooth that has darkened in color. Some infected teeth cause no noticeable pain at all, which is one of many reasons routine exams and digital X-rays are so valuable.
Before any treatment begins, our dentist reviews your symptoms, examines the tooth, and takes digital X-rays to evaluate the extent of the infection and the shape of the tooth's root canals.
Root canal therapy is a highly effective way to treat an infected tooth, with a success rate that is consistently high when the tooth is properly restored afterward. Our team will walk you through your specific treatment plan, including whether a crown or other restoration is recommended for your tooth.
It's normal to experience some mild soreness or sensitivity in the treated area for a few days after your appointment, particularly if the tooth was infected or swollen beforehand. This is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, unless our team has recommended something different for your situation.
Following your dentist's instructions and keeping any recommended follow-up appointments gives the tooth the best chance of long-term success.
Root canal therapy can sound intimidating, but our experienced team is here to make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible. We take the time to explain your diagnosis, walk you through your treatment options, and answer any questions before we begin. Our goal is always to relieve your discomfort, treat the underlying infection, and help you keep your natural smile intact whenever we can.
If you're experiencing tooth pain or think you may need root canal therapy, don't wait - call us at (310) 878-0880 or request an appointment online, and we'll do our best to see you promptly. You can also read more about our Emergency Dentistry services if you're dealing with sudden or severe pain.
A root canal procedure is the best way to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury and preserve your natural smile. The alternative is an extraction and treatment to replace the tooth. While at times a tooth is non-restorable and an extraction is the only option, when possible, it’s best to try and save your natural tooth. With proper care, a tooth with root canal therapy can serve your smile well for many years to come.
Despite lingering myths from before the age of modern dental anesthesia and technology, having a root canal procedure today is as routine and comfortable as visiting the dentist for a filling. While the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with your tooth completely numbed, we can also discuss options in dental sedation.
Whether the symptoms of a dental infection subside after a course of antibiotics, a draining abscess provides you with some temporary pain relief, or a tooth with radiographic evidence of pathology has not yet developed symptoms, it’s essential, before an infection worsens or occurs, to have a root canal procedure performed. In this way, the tooth can be disinfected, filled, and sealed to protect your health and avoid further problems.
If you have sustained a dental injury, have a toothache, jaw pain, swelling, or are experiencing any other unusual and uncomfortable oral symptoms, contact our office immediately for care. Dental problems that have not been evaluated and treated can significantly worsen, producing more severe damage and consequences for the involved teeth, your oral health, and even your overall wellbeing. Once you get in touch with our office, our friendly and compassionate office team will get you in for care at your earliest convenience.
While some root canal procedures can be completed in one visit, others may involve 2 or 3 appointments. How long it takes depends on various factors, including active infection, the number of canals in the tooth, and the tooth’s location or anatomy.
With a success rate that exceeds 95%, root canal therapy remains the most effective procedure to save a tooth in which the inner vital tissues have been damaged. However, as with all healthcare procedures, there are a small percentage of cases where the teeth become symptomatic a second time. The good news is that many of these teeth can still be saved with root canal retreatment or a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy.
The best ways to maintain a tooth with root canal therapy are to get the proper restoration required to rebuild and protect the tooth, maintain proper oral hygiene, and schedule appointments for routine dental checkups and care.
Saving a tooth with root canal therapy is a wise investment that, in the long run, is typically less costly and invasive than having the tooth extracted and replaced with a fixed bridge or implant. As far as the exact cost of care, it can vary depending on which tooth is being treated. Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal therapy. At the office of Torrance Dental Care, we do our best to optimize your dental benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. Our staff will answer all your questions about the cost of care and discuss all your payment options.
At the office of Torrance Dental Care, we use the latest technology and most effective methods of care to provide precise and gentle care. Our reputation for excellence is based upon a consistent record of achieving successful treatment outcomes while providing prompt, stress-free, and convenient treatment for every type of dental need.
