Root Canal Treatment – Los Angeles, CA
Relieving Your Pain & Preserving Your Natural Smile
Your natural teeth are composed of several distinct layers – there’s the outer protection of the enamel, a layer of more sensitive dentin underneath, and finally a safely hidden pulp. If a patient experiences a traumatic dental injury or infection that’s severe enough to reach this vulnerable pulp layer, tooth extraction becomes a very real risk. Thankfully, Dr. Les Latner offers root canal treatment here at Westside Dental Associates as an effective technique for revitalizing and preserving badly decayed teeth. Contact our Los Angeles, CA dental practice today to schedule your appointment!
Why Choose Westside Dental Associates for Root Canal Treatment?
- Painless Numbing Injections with The Wand™
- Patient Comfort Is Our Dental Team's Focus
- Dental Insurance Welcome
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canals are common procedures that have helped countless Americans save their natural teeth while also curing their severe pain. We typically recommend this procedure for patients who have an infection as a result of severe decay or damage. If the issue isn’t treated in a timely manner, it’ll likely result in additional pain and the need for a tooth extraction, making it important to take care of as soon as possible.
During the root canal procedure, your dentist in Los Angeles will remove the infected pulp of your tooth that’s causing you pain and refill your tooth to rebuild its structure. Our team will top the treated tooth off with a customized dental crown, so you can continue to eat and speak without experiencing any type of pain or discomfort.
Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
The most common symptom of a tooth infection that patients experience is a severe toothache. Some other signs that you may need root canal treatment include:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Pain while chewing
- Swelling or redness on the gums near the infected tooth
- A bump on the gums near the infected tooth
If you notice any of these signs, be sure to contact our office immediately. We offer fast emergency dental care as well as convenient morning and evening appointment times.
The Process of Getting a Root Canal
The entire root canal procedure typically takes place over the course of two appointments. Dr. Latner will begin by administering anesthesia, so you won’t be able to feel a thing during the treatment. He will make a small incision into the damaged tooth and remove the infected pulp. After sterilizing the inner portion of the tooth to make sure that there are no lingering harmful bacteria, he will restore the structure by filling the incision with a substance called gutta-percha.
To strengthen and protect your tooth after your procedure, Dr. Latner will craft and secure a customized dental crown for it. This will allow you to continue eating and speaking with complete confidence and comfort.
If you have any questions about root canal treatment in Los Angeles or are experiencing a severe toothache, be sure to contact our office. Our team will answer any concerns you may have and schedule an emergency checkup as soon as possible.
Root Canal FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Root Canal Treatment?
Recovery time differs for each patient, but many people are able to return to work or school the day following their procedure. If your job requires physical labor, it is best to take a few days off. This is because vigorous exercise can prolong the healing process by diverting blood away from the site. You will likely experience some soreness for a few days following your procedure. Take your over-the-counter and prescribed pain relievers as direct and stick to soft foods during this time.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
In addition to eating a healthy meal and avoiding alcohol before your treatment, you should refrain from using tobacco products. They can interfere with the numbing medication. It is sometimes recommended to take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like ibuprofen, right before the procedure to reduce the discomfort as the numbness wears off. Make sure to get a good night of sleep the night before. This can help to reduce your nerves and prepare your immune system to recover quickly.
Can I Take Antibiotics Instead of Getting a Root Canal?
Antibiotics are great at treating bacterial infections in almost every other part of the body, but they don’t work on tooth infections. Antibiotics travel through the bloodstream to target infected areas of the body. However, the bloodstream doesn’t reach the pulp of the tooth, so it cannot eliminate an infection in this area. If a tooth’s pulp is infected, the only options are root canal treatment and tooth extraction.
Can Root Canals Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent the need for another root canal is to take good care of your dental health. This includes brushing twice, flossing, and using mouthwash every day. You should also see your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and checkups. This way, issues can be caught early on, potentially reducing your risk of needing root canal treatment. Stick to a healthy diet by limiting sugar, eating nutritious foods, and drinking plenty of water. Remember to always wear a mouthguard when playing sports to prevent potential injuries to your smile.