Root Canal Treatment

A tooth that becomes infected, damaged, or extremely decayed requires immediate attention. Without proper treatment, swelling, bone loss, worsening infection, or even the loss of the tooth may occur. At one time, the only solution to severely damaged or decayed teeth was extraction. Today, however, dentists can save the tooth through root canal treatment, also known as a root canal.

You may need root canal treatment if you are suffering from certain symptoms such as:

• Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
• Pain or sensitivity to pressure
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Swollen gums around the tooth
• Tenderness or throbbing pain

If your tooth is cracked or broken, you may also need root canal treatment. Any of these symptoms indicate an urgent need to contact our Beverly Hills dentist for further assessment.

The actual root canal is the space within the tooth itself. When the nerve inside this canal is damaged through deep decay, infection, or a break or blow to the tooth, an abscess may develop. The abscess, or infected area, can spread beyond the pulp and past the roots of the tooth, causing severe pain, inflammation, swelling, and, if left unattended, bone loss in the jaw.

A root canal treatment will remove the bacteria and damaged tissue within the tooth. The first step is to examine your tooth and assess the severity of infection through an X-ray. Our Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist will then carefully clean out your tooth, removing infection and damaged tissue and flush out all debris.

Finally, your tooth will be sealed to prevent contamination. You may have a temporary filling or a permanent filling. Our dentist may also suggest completing the process with a crown to further strengthen and protect your tooth.

Even though a root canal has the reputation of being painful, it is usually quite similar to a filling or similar dental procedure. If you suffer from dental anxiety or feel nervous about the treatment, our dentist may be able to provide you with sedation to make you more comfortable and relaxed.

A root canal procedure saves your natural teeth in spite of damage or decay and is generally preferable to extraction. Not all procedures are appropriate for all individuals, however, and our dentist in Beverly Hills can help you determine which may be the best option for you.