A root canal, or endodontic therapy, is a common treatment used to get rid of dental pain and often an infection or abscess, as well as save teeth that are severely decayed. Although we sometimes fear root canals, they can quickly and effectively relieve pain which can be intense. This treatment involves removing damaged pulp from the tooth, cleaning the inner canals, and sealing the space to prevent further infection.
Our Newport Beach dentists – Lance Alder, DDS and Jacob Barton, DDS – are committed to offering patients a comfortable experience while enhancing and preserving their oral health. When performing a root canal, our dentists are dedicated to saving as much of a patient’s natural teeth as possible and alleviating discomfort with advanced techniques, innovative technology, and the highest quality care.
“My first priority will always be to save your natural tooth! Sometimes, if a tooth has had a lot of trauma or infection, the only way to save your tooth is with a root canal. Although they sound intimidating, our team does everything within our power to make sure that your procedure is as painless as possible.”
If you are feeling sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, or have swollen or bleeding gums, you may have an infection and need a root canal. Other symptoms might include sensitivity to the pressure of chewing and biting, tooth pain in the jawbone, cheek, ear or neck, a swollen face and more. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to more severe infections and potential tooth loss.
Additionally, if you have a painful pimple-type sore on your gums at the side of the tooth root, you may have an abscess. An abscess is generally caused by a cavity that has been left untreated, trauma to the tooth or a dental injury. If left untreated, the abscess may rupture and turn into a serious, life-threatening condition. An abscess is a dental emergency and you should call us immediately so we can clear up the infection and relieve the pain.
A consultation with Dr. Alder or Dr. Barton can help determine if a root canal is the best approach for addressing your dental concerns and improving your oral health.
If a root canal is deemed necessary, it may be the only treatment to help you save your tooth. During root canal treatment the infected nerves will be removed. Once all of the infection has been removed, the tooth is filled with a special filling to seal it. Depending on how much tooth is remaining, a crown may be required after the root canal.
Many of our root canals are done in-house, but there are cases when we will refer our patients to an outside endodontist (root canal specialist). If our dentists decide to send you to a specialist, our team will communicate with them and coordinate the appointment, striving to make the entire process as seamless as possible.
During the root canal recovery period, you may experience mild discomfort and swelling for a few days, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The treated tooth may feel sensitive during those initial days following treatment, particularly if there was pain or an infection before the procedure. It is important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored to prevent any damage. Additionally, we recommend that you maintain good oral hygiene practices by gently brushing and flossing. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities the next day.
“It was actually a pleasant experience and not one that I’d hesitate to go through again. I was made to feel very comfortable. Dr. Alder and the team were amazing.”
– MEGAN C.
Please contact our office if you are ready to learn more about root canal treatment or schedule a consultation.