Root Canals in Los Angeles, CA

At Smileywood Dental Office, we perform a root canal to remove the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth to save the tooth from extraction. First, our dentist will take X-rays of your teeth to determine the severity of the infection or damage to your gums and teeth. Once they have determined how difficult the situation is, they will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure. Next, the dentist will create a small hole in the crown of your tooth so that they can access the interior of the tooth. They will remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and then clean the area of debris that remains inside it. The area is then sealed with a rubber-like compound called gutta-percha to prevent further infection or damage. Your dentist may place a crown on top of the tooth to protect it from future damage and give it added strength to hold it in place. Because the nerve is part of the pulp, it is removed as well. Without the nerve, the tooth will no longer feel pain and sensitivity.

The Benefits Of Root Canal Treatment

The presence of an infection, decay, or trauma in your tooth’s pulp can lead to severe discomfort and pain that may even impact your ability to chew and speak normally. If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding teeth and even your jawbone. Our dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to resolve these issues and alleviate pain. By removing the infected tissue, bacteria, and debris from the interior of your tooth, we can prevent further damage and restore health to your mouth. Root canal therapy can also eliminate any pain caused by inflammation or infection.

In addition to alleviating pain and restoring function, a root canal procedure can preserve your original tooth structure and prevent extraction. Through this discrete and straightforward procedure, we can help prevent further damage to your smile and restore your natural smile aesthetics. Our restorative dentist will use advanced techniques and tools to ensure your comfort throughout your appointment.

Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

Root canals are often recommended when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to trauma or untreated tooth decay. While pain is the most obvious sign of an infected tooth, several small signs may be noticeable before a patient notices their more significant symptoms. These signs include a dull ache or throbbing feeling in the gums surrounding the affected tooth, discoloration of the tooth, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and tenderness in the gum area. If the nerve inside the tooth dies, you may eventually lose the tooth altogether. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.

A root canal is an effective and safe option when treating tooth decay, which can help you avoid more complex procedures in the future. Visit Smileywood Dental Office at 4354 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029, or call or text (323) 741-0556 for the best dental care.