Root Canal

If you’re like many patients, you may find the idea of a root canal procedure extremely unappealing. That’s why we at OC Dental Specialists pride ourselves on a service that minimizes discomfort and results so you can recover quickly and easily. Root canals may not always be ideal, but they are essential for removing infected tissue and saving a compromised tooth. When you visit our dental clinic in Irvine, you can count on a dental team that is always attentive to your needs.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure to save a damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the pulp and nerve inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and sealing it. This treatment is typically recommended when a tooth’s pulp is damaged due to decay or infection. In the case that the decay in one of your tooth has progressed to the point that the tooth is in danger of being lost, a root canal procedure can save the tooth and restore it to functionality.

The Benefits of Root Canal Irvine

Root canal Irvine offers several benefits:

Pain Relief: The procedure effectively relieves severe toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection.
Preservation of Natural Teeth: It helps save your natural tooth, we try our best to avoid the need for extraction and maintain your smile’s aesthetics.
Improved Oral Health: A root canal eliminates infection and thus promotes better oral health and prevents it from spreading.

How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is generally employed when your tooth has suffered extensive decay. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should consider asking for a root canal:

Throbbing or spontaneous pain
Sensitivity and pain to hot and cold drinks and foods
Pain when biting down or chewing
Noticeable swelling around the gums of the tooth
Pain and sensitivity during brushing
Tooth discoloration from decay
Sensitive gums
Evidence of pus in the mouth and gums
Noticeable swelling and tenderness of your jaw lymph nodes
Toothaches and tooth pains that do not seem to go away

Remember: the best way to protect your tooth from the sort of infection that could lead to a root canal is to keep up with regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning appointments with your dentist. Small cavities that are left untreated can create pathways to your inner tooth pulp, exposing it to bacterial infection.

If your tooth is damaged beyond repair, a tooth extraction, followed by a dental implant, may be necessary, but a proper root canal should help avoid this scenario.

What Can I Expect From the Procedure

Our dentists will drill into your tooth and remove the infected pulp from the interior during a root canal. The interior is then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. An inert filling is then applied to prevent further infection, followed by the drilled area being sealed off. Sometimes, a crown will be attached to the top of the repaired tooth. Sometimes, your dentist will hold off on this for a week, but this varies by patient. In this case, a temporary medicinal filling will be applied.

Root canals generally involve local anesthesia applied to the operation site, so you can count on an experience that minimizes discomfort as much as possible.

How Painful is a Root Canal Procedure?

Thanks to advancements in anesthesia and dental technology, root canals are far less painful procedures than you may have heard. Our dentists always use the best practices and techniques for the most pain-free treatment possible.

The dentists at OC Dental Specialists have performed thousands of root canals over the years, and our patients have reported mainly comfortable experiences in our office. It may sound too good to be true, but we pride ourselves on a relatively painless procedure. Don’t let the fear of pain cause you to hesitate to receive this treatment. After all, preventing and alleviating pain in your tooth is the whole point. We think you’ll find that, after the procedure, you’ll be on your way to feeling better than before.

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What is the Recovery Process Like?

Most patients return to normal activities, including work and school, right after the procedure. However, you can count on a certain amount of numbness in your mouth, and you may wish to avoid eating until this has passed.

For the first few days following the procedure, the tooth may feel sensitive due to inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This can be eased with over-the-counter medication.

Sometimes, your dentist may hold off on filling the tooth for a week or so, in which case you should chew with that tooth. Your brushing and flossing habits should not change.

Common Myths About Root Canal Irvine

There are some misconceptions about root canal treatment that need to be debunked:

Myth 1: Root canals are painful. – In reality, root canal Irvine is a pain-relieving procedure.
Myth 2: Extraction is a better option. – Saving your natural tooth is always the best choice for your oral health.
Myth 3: Root canals cause illness. – No scientific evidence supports this claim.

Call today!

Take the fear out of your root canal procedure, and call someone you can trust. Our dentists in Irvine have the skill and equipment to ensure you have an easy and comfortable root canal experience with a quick recovery, so you can get that healthy, happy smile back in no time. For more information, contact us today! We’ll answer any questions you might have.

FAQs about Root Canal

What is the cost of a root canal in Irvine?

The cost of a root canal can vary on many factors like the tooth’s location and the complexity of the procedure. On average, it can range from $600 to $1,500.

How long does a root canal procedure take?

A typical root canal procedure can take about 90 minutes to 2 hours.

Is a crown necessary after a root canal?

A dental crown is recommended after a root canal to protect and strengthen the tooth.

Are there any alternatives to a root canal?

While extraction may be necessary in some cases, it’s generally recommended that the natural tooth be preserved whenever possible.

Can I drive after a root canal?

You can typically drive yourself home after a root canal, as the procedure involves local anesthesia, which doesn’t impair your driving ability.

How long is the recovery period after a root canal?

Recovery after a root canal is usually quick, with minimal discomfort lasting a few days.

HAPPY CLIENTS

I’ve been coming to this office for just under a year, and I have to say, I’ve never encountered a more caring and friendly staff.

Dr. Sharma is kind and also incredibly friendly, highly professional, and extremely competent. I can’t recommend this office enough!

Andi K.