ROOT CANAL
HOLLYWOOD CA

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

A root canal isn’t a procedure anyone looks forward to, but it is a tooth-saving procedure. The treatment design rids the inner tooth of infection through pulp removal and careful cleaning of the inner tooth. This is followed by sealing the tooth to prevent future infections. Thus preserving the tooth from a possible extraction.

Often, a root canal is the last step to keep your tooth from rotting from tooth decay and needing to be replaced. If you or your child need a root canal treatment, you can rest assured that the dental team at TruGLO Dental is here to help.

Although it is possible to replace your tooth with an implant if necessary, saving the tooth with a root canal is always the better option.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?

The number one sign that you need a root canal is the presence of severe tooth pain. If you feel pain when eating or biting down on food or when your teeth are exposed to changes in temperature, this is usually a sign that you need treatment. Minor discomfort is typically the sign of a cavity or two, but when the pain is too much to take, you may need a root canal procedure.

There are other symptoms of an underlying infection as well. These can include:

Pimples or cysts on the gums
Chipped or cracked teeth
Swollen or tender gums
Decayed or darkened gums

We will likely recommend a root canal treatment if we find any of these issues during our evaluation.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T GET A ROOT CANAL?

Skipping root canal therapy isn’t recommended at TruGLO Modern Dental. In some cases, you may find that the pain in your tooth has gone away. However, this does not mean the infection has disappeared. Instead, it’s a sign that the infection has killed off the nerves in your tooth. Your tooth will continue to weaken until it fractures or cracks, and the infection could potentially spread to other areas of your body. Preventing this with a root canal treatment is the best way to keep yourself from further pain and sickness down the line.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT GETTING A ROOT CANAL?

The best way to prevent the necessity of a root canal is to ensure that your tooth does not encounter decay or infection in the first place. This involves a life of healthy oral hygiene choices, including twice-a-day brushing, daily flossing, avoiding hard foods or acidic foods, and consistent dental check-ups and cleanings.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE?

Your dentist will begin by taking an X-Ray of your teeth in order to see what your teeth look like on the inside. A local anesthetic will then be applied near the tooth to ease any pain from the procedure.

Your dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep the area dry during the treatment. The tooth is drilled, allowing the dentist to remove the decayed nerve tissue and debris from the tooth.

Your dentist will then seal the tooth. In some situations, the dentist may place a temporary filling in the tooth and seal the tooth at a later appointment.

Sometimes, additional tooth restoration may be necessary, such as a crown or some fillings. We will go over all of these options with you.

WHAT WILL RECOVERY BE LIKE?

Your mouth will likely be numb for a while afterward. Although you should be able to go back to work or school right after the procedure, you may want to wait a while before eating.

You can expect some tooth sensitivity for a while, but this can be treated with over-the-counter medication. If you are using a temporary filling, try to avoid chewing with that tooth until it can be fully restored.

ARE ROOT CANALS PAINFUL?

A common worry among prospective root canal patients is the likelihood of pain during the procedure. Thankfully, advancements in modern dentistry have ensured that root canals can be virtually painless today. Our dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the infected tooth, which blocks out pain during the treatment. You may feel some sensitivity and discomfort after the treatment, but with some pain medication, this should go away. Remember, it’s much easier (and much healthier) than simply waiting for the pain to go away on its own as the infection progresses. The purpose of a root canal is to address the underlying issue of your pain so that you can look forward to healthy, comfortable smiles in the future. If you’re currently suffering from tooth pain, call TruGLO Modern Dental. We offer emergency appointments for your convenience. Our experienced dentist will perform a thorough exam to see what’s causing your pain. Get relief today. We look forward to restoring your glowing smile.

Client Review

“TruGlo consistently delivers great results. The team is fantastic and has a great attitude. They play great music at the office and are always very direct about the best ways to improve my dental health. Would highly recommend!”
Bobby Capdevielle