What Is a Root Canal? Our Dentist Near Costa Mesa Explains

A root canal treatment—also called endodontic treatment—is a dental procedure designed to save a diseased tooth or infected pulp inside your tooth. The tooth’s pulp is made of blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves that keep the tooth alive. When a deep cavity, abscess, or pulp damage causes infection, the only way to avoid having the tooth extracted is through a root canal.

During the root canal procedure, your dentist or endodontist removes the infected pulp, cleans the pulp chamber and root canals, and seals the space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The treated tooth is then covered with a crown or temporary filling to restore full function.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

You might need a root canal if you notice:

• Persistent tooth pain or severe pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Swelling in the soft tissue or gums near the tooth
• A darkened or discolored tooth
• A pimple-like bump on the gums (possible abscess)

If left untreated, a root canal infection can spread to the tissues surrounding the tooth, cause bone loss, and even affect adjacent teeth. Seeking root canal therapy promptly can prevent further damage and protect your smile.

The Root Canal Procedure at Noleen Dental

When you visit our Huntington Beach dental office, here’s what to expect during your root canal procedure:

1. Examination & X-Rays: Dr. Nguyen will take X-rays to assess the infection and surrounding bone.
2. Local Anesthetic: To ensure you don’t feel pain, we numb the area before starting treatment.
3. Dental Dam: A protective sheet is placed to keep the tooth dry and free of saliva.
4. Removing the Infected Pulp: The endodontist makes a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The endodontist removes the infected pulp and cleans the canals.
5. Shaping & Filling: The canals are shaped and sealed with gutta-percha or a similar rubber-like material to eliminate bacteria and prevent future infection.
6. Temporary Filling or Crown: A temporary filling is placed until a permanent crown is ready. In most cases, one or two visits are required.

Why Choose Root Canal Therapy Instead of Extraction?

Many patients wonder if it’s better to have the tooth extracted. However, saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the better option because:

• It preserves your natural tooth structure and the alignment of other teeth.
• Prevents complications with chewing and bite strength.
• Avoids the need for more expensive replacements like bridges or dental implants.
• Restores the function and appearance of your restored tooth with a crown.

In fact, most root canals are highly successful, allowing you to keep your treated tooth for decades.

After Your Root Canal

After your root canal therapy, you may experience mild tooth sensitivity or tenderness, but this usually subsides quickly. Dr. Nguyen may prescribe antibiotics if needed to treat lingering infection. To help your healing process:

• Avoid biting down on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a crown.
• Maintain good oral health by brushing and flossing daily.
• Attend your follow-up visit to complete the crown placement.
• Visit your dentist near you regularly to monitor therestored tooth and prevent new stains or infection.

With proper care, your endodontically treated tooth will function like your natural teeth.

Cost of Root Canal Treatment

The cost of root canal treatment typically ranges depending on the tooth’s location and complexity. Molars with multiple roots are more complex than front teeth. Compared to the long-term expense of extractions and replacements, root canal therapy is a cost-effective solution.

Call a Huntington Beach dentist near you at (714) 375-0044 to discuss your treatment options and financial planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Relief From Tooth Pain in Huntington Beach

If you’re suffering from tooth pain, don’t wait. A root canal treatment can save your smile, prevent further damage, and restore your confidence. At Noleen Dental in Huntington Beach, Dr. Noleen Nguyen provides compassionate, expert endodontic treatment for patients across Huntington Beach, Fountain Valley, Westminster, Newport Beach, and Costa Mesa.

Call us today at (714) 375-0044 to schedule your consultation and protect your smile with professional root canal therapy in Huntington Beach.