Root Canal Treatment in West Hollywood, CA

Experiencing sharp tooth pain is one of the most uncomfortable conditions to deal with, and sometimes, a root canal is the best way to eliminate that discomfort. Our clinic in West Hollywood, CA, is highly experienced in root canal treatment, and we’ll make sure you’re feeling better in no time. We offer gentle root canal treatments to keep you smiling and healthy. Let us take care of you and get you back to feeling your best

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a form of dental treatment that can help prevent a dying or abscessed tooth from being removed. Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) is used to treat infections or injuries in the pulp tissue in the middle of a tooth. This is usually an infection such as an abscess, and it’s most often caused by untreated decay, deep cracks, or injury to the teeth.

If left untreated, the pulp tissue might die or even develop an abscess and cause significant pain. Our skilled dentist in West Hollywood can remove the infected tissues and clean and shape the inside of the root to make sure no more bacteria can get in.

An endodontic procedure typically takes one hour to ninety minutes to complete depending on the tooth that’s affected.

Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

Root canal treatments are necessary when the tooth’s nerve is affected, instead of using fillings or crowns that fix the outer layers of teeth. Root canals may be required when a tooth has an abscess or is severely cracked or broken. Common scenarios where root canals are needed include:

• Severe tooth pain
• Traumatic injuries
• Hypersensitivity to hot temperatures
• Abscessed teeth
• Deep areas of tooth decay
• Cracks that extend into the tooth root

During your appointment, our dentist in West Hollywood will use an X-ray to check the inside and surrounding areas of your tooth root for cysts, abscesses, or internal damage.

How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

For a root canal, we use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Root canal treatment involves removing most of the pulp from inside your tooth and then sealing it off to prevent reinfection. The procedure is like a filling that extends into the root of the tooth rather than being limited to the upper portion of your tooth anatomy.

A crown is placed over a tooth that has had endodontic treatment to protect it. Endodontically treated teeth are no longer alive and tend to become more brittle over time. The crown strengthens the remaining tooth structure, allowing normal biting and chewing.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Many people think that root canal treatment is painful. The reality is that root canals help relieve the source of your tooth pain rather than cause additional discomfort. The procedure is similar to a regular dental treatment. Your teeth will be numbed with a local anesthetic, so you’ll only feel a little pressure. If your tooth is sensitive, additional anesthetic can be used.

If you have an abscessed tooth, the dentist may prescribe an antibiotic before your appointment. This will reduce any swelling and help the numbing medication work more effectively. However, the antibiotic won’t prevent reinfection, so a root canal will still be necessary. Sedation can also be provided to help you relax during the procedure.

Essential Tips Root Canal Aftercare

After root canal treatment, your mouth might be slightly sensitive where the local anesthetic was placed or from having your tooth gently propped open for an extended period of time. The good news is that endodontic treatment removes the infected nerve, so your tooth can no longer transmit pain or sensitivity sensations.

To prevent any recurring decay or damage to your treated tooth, floss and brush around it daily and schedule regular checkups. A protective crown will help reduce any accelerated wear or breakage in your enamel since the tooth will be more brittle than normal.

The Importance of Root Canals

A root canal is a procedure that removes the infected pulp from a tooth to prevent its complete extraction. The pulp contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. A cavity can cause an abscessed tooth, which would require endodontic treatment to remove it. Without treatment, an abscessed tooth can continue to spread infection throughout the mouth and face and could even lead to a medical emergency. For this reason, it’s important to have your teeth checked by a dentist regularly.

Even if your tooth doesn’t hurt, you might need a root canal. Since the nerve is compromised, it may not send proper signals, leading to a severe infection or a dying tooth without any symptoms.

Root Canal Prevention

To prevent a root canal, it’s essential to treat any cavities early while they are still small. Minimally invasive restorations such as fillings can prevent the spread of decay and infection. Without treatment, the cavities will only get worse and eventually lead to an abscessed tooth, which would then require root canal treatment and unwanted pain.

Cost of Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment costs as much as a crown or bridge but can save you significant expenses linked to tooth extraction and future tooth replacement. Especially considering that an endodontically-treated tooth can last for decades after the procedure. A root canal is your tooth’s last chance to avoid extraction. Depending on which tooth needs treatment and the number of roots it has, a typical root canal costs between $500 and $1500. To reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, we will work with your insurance carrier to maximize your available benefits. Flexible payment plans are also available.

Expert Root Canal Procedure in West Hollywood

If you have a severe toothache or visible abscess, schedule your appointment today at West Hollywood Dental Studio. We offer expert root canal treatment to save your tooth and get you out of pain. Call our office today!

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Questions Answered on This Page

• What is a Root Canal?
• Signs and Symptoms That You May Need a Root Canal
• How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?
• Do Root Canals Hurt?
• Root Canal Aftercare
• Importance of Root Canals
• Root Canal Prevention

Related Topics

• Dental Fillings
• Dental Crowns
• Tooth Extraction
• Dental Emergency

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Definition of common root canal terminology

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Helpful links: WebMD (Root Canal Therapy) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)