Endodontics

A Root Canal in Brea, CA is Easier Than You Think

Endodontics, Brea, California

Ahh, the dreaded root canal -- the bane of your existence, the last procedure a patient would ever want to undergo... right? Root canals have a reputation for being one of the most unpleasant dental emergencies. But is a root canal really as bad as its reputation suggests? Nope, not even close! The fact is, with today's modern dentistry technology and conveniences, a root canal procedure can be just as easy and comfortable as a routine checkup. Fifteen million root canals are performed every year, so they can't be all bad!

Are you experiencing tooth nerve pain? Do you believe you're in need of a root canal? Then look no further than Gold Coast Dental Brea. Trust us; we've done this before. Our team of highly skilled professionals can ensure that your root canal procedure is as fast and smooth as you can imagine. Give us a call at (562) 356-0948 today to schedule your root canal. We promise you a quick and easy process.

What Is a Root Canal?

The purposes behind the procedure

So, what is this procedure that people seem to dread so much? A root canal becomes necessary after the tooth has become severely infected. This root canal infection could be the result of trauma or a cavity that has been left untreated. The infection often comes with tooth pain, so it is best to get root canals handled as soon as possible. Root canals have an overwhelming success rate of 95 percent, meaning that a tooth is saved that otherwise would have been lost. Often, a root canal is not handled by a traditional dentist. A dentist may refer you to an endodontist, whose studies have extended beyond dental school and focused on the root of the tooth and surrounding areas. Endodontists also perform other tasks such as treating pulp

damage and performing procedures like apicoectomies, which involves removing infected tissue from the tip of the tooth's root. They may also perform endodontic re-treatment -- fixing a prior failed root canal. So how does the root canal process work? During the root canal, your dentist will open up the tooth and expose the infected nerve. The nerve is then removed, along with all the decaying tissue that surrounds it, called pulp. Antibacterial medication will be used to kill any bacteria that remains before the tooth is sealed back up. Finally, your dentist will affix a crown to the top of the tooth, protecting it from future infection. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the whole process may take one to two dental visits.

Appointment »

How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal?

Don't ignore these important signals!

So how can you be sure you need a root canal? Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but the signs are many. Here are a few signals: If you experience a feeling of sensitivity when biting or pressing on the tooth, or if you feel an acute sensitivity to hot

or cold food and beverages, this could be a sign of an infected nerve. If you're experiencing sudden, spontaneous, or persistent dental pain, this may be another sign that you need a root canal. If you're dealing with any form of swelling of the mouth,

all the way from a bump on the gum to a swollen face, you may need a root canal. On the other hand, sometimes situations requiring root canals are painless. Other times, the pain comes from an unknown source. In both cases, a dentist will be better equipped to identify the problem at hand.

Let Us Handle Your Root Canal

We'll remove that infected nerve, along with all your worries

Root canals are fairly common procedures that tend to scare people more than they should. The simple truth is, root canals are really nothing to worry about -- especially if you're handling them at Gold Coast Dental Brea. Our team of qualified professionals guarantee that your experience with us is worry-free, stress-free, and comfortable as can be. If you're at all concerned about your root canal experience, know that we have multiple sedation options available for you, to put you at ease.
If you're dealing with a problem that requires a root canal, don't hesitate to give us a call at (562) 356-0948 to schedule your appointment right away!

Schedule a Consultation »

What Is a Root Canal?

The purposes behind the procedure

So, what is this procedure that people seem to dread so much? A root canal becomes necessary after the tooth has become severely infected. This root canal infection could be the result of trauma or a cavity that has been left untreated. The infection often comes with tooth pain, so it is best to get root canals handled as soon as possible. Root canals have an overwhelming success rate of 95 percent, meaning that a tooth is saved that otherwise would have been lost. Often, a root canal is not handled by a traditional dentist. A dentist may refer you to an endodontist, whose studies have extended beyond dental school and focused on the root of the tooth and surrounding areas. Endodontists also perform other tasks such as treating pulp

damage and performing procedures like apicoectomies, which involves removing infected tissue from the tip of the tooth's root. They may also perform endodontic re-treatment -- fixing a prior failed root canal. So how does the root canal process work? During the root canal, your dentist will open up the tooth and expose the infected nerve. The nerve is then removed, along with all the decaying tissue that surrounds it, called pulp. Antibacterial medication will be used to kill any bacteria that remains before the tooth is sealed back up. Finally, your dentist will affix a crown to the top of the tooth, protecting it from future infection. Depending on the condition of the tooth, the whole process may take one to two dental visits.

Appointment »

How long does a root canal take?

Root canal appointments are roughly ninety minutes each but can be longer depending on the number of roots, location of the tooth, and several other factors. The procedure may take more than one appointment if the situation calls for it.
Is a root canal painful?

Not nearly as much as you might expect! In fact, most people report that the procedure is almost painless and about equivalent to getting a filling placed.
Can I drive home after a root canal?

You will be perfectly safe to drive home after your root canal. Our dental office uses a potent local anesthetic which completely numbs your tooth throughout the procedure. This doesn’t affect your mental faculties or your ability to operate a car. Entirely lucid, some patients choose to go to work or school after their appointment.
Can you eat after a root canal?

Until a filling and crown has been placed on your tooth under repair, you'll want to minimize chewing with that tooth. When the root canal procedure is finished, wait until the numbness wears off before eating. Waiting will keep you from biting your tongue or cheek.
Can I brush my teeth after a root canal?

After your procedure, you may resume gentle brushing and flossing, provided that the filling was not placed on the same space where you are flossing, and that you brush gently. It is important to keep your mouth clean but comfortable.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?

If you don't get a crown, the surface of the affected tooth will be at higher risk of infection. A crown seals off the tooth from dangerous leakage and lowers the odds that you'll need a tooth extraction.
How much does endodontic treatment cost?

A patient's root canal cost varies based on their specific dental situation. For example, the damage's extent and whether a crown or filling is needed can all factor into a dentist's calculations. Luckily, these procedures are covered by dental insurance. At Gold Cost Dental Brea, we accept all PPO and most HMO insurance plans and also have several alternative financing options available regardless of your insurance status.
Is it better to have root canal or extraction?

A root canal's purpose is to clean and restore the tooth. If it's a viable option and the tooth can be saved, then getting a root canal is by far a better choice than having the whole tooth extracted.
Can I get a filling instead of a root canal?

It is not advisable. Not all teeth requiring a root canal cause pain, so patients may be confused as to why a root canal is being recommended. It boils down to the location of the cavity. If it's near the surface of the tooth, then a filling is appropriate, but if it's in the root, then a root canal is advised.