Root Canal Therapy in Los Angeles & Studio City, CA

Painless Root Canal Treatment for Dental Infections Near You

Are you experiencing a nagging toothache that won’t go away? That persistent pain could be a sign of an infected tooth, requiring the specialized care of a root canal treatment from a top-rated Southern California dentist. At Dr. Lavi’s dental offices, we provide a gentle and effective path to relief, saving your natural tooth and restoring your smile.

We serve patients from Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, and Sherman Oaks. If you’re ready to find relief and restore your dental health, please contact us. For our Studio City office, call (818) 980-8472. If our Los Angeles office is more convenient, please reach out to (213) 623-2212.

Why Choose Dr. Lavi for Local Root Canal Treatments?

Choosing the right endodontist for your root canal in Los Angeles is a decision that impacts your comfort and long-term oral health. At Dr. Lavi’s dental offices, our dedication to a comfortable patient experience sets us apart. We understand that a root canal in Studio City can be a source of anxiety, and our team is committed to providing a calm and gentle environment from the moment you arrive.

What Are Dental Infections?

A dental infection occurs when bacteria penetrate the hard outer layers of a tooth and reach the soft pulp at its core. Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called pulp which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can lead to significant pain and swelling. These infections can be caused by deep decay that has progressed to the pulp, a cracked tooth, or even repeated dental procedures on the same tooth over time.

Signs of Dental Infection

Several signs and symptoms may indicate a dental infection. These can include:

Toothache: A persistent or throbbing pain in the tooth, especially when biting or chewing.
Sensitivity to hot and cold: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or food.
Swollen, tender gums: The gums around the infected tooth may appear red, swollen, and tender to the touch.
Pus: A discharge of pus (white or yellow) from around the tooth or gums.
Bad breath (halitosis): Persistent bad breath can indicate an underlying infection.
Loose tooth: An infected tooth may become loose or shaky.
Swollen lymph nodes: The lymph nodes in the neck or jaw may become swollen and tender.
Fever: In some cases, a fever may accompany a dental infection.

If you experience these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Lavi by calling Studio City dental office at (818) 980-8472 or our Los Angeles office at (213) 623-2212. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection from worsening and causing further damage.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to remove the infected, inflamed, or damaged pulp from a tooth. The goal is to save the natural tooth, relieving pain and preventing the need for extraction. A tooth can survive without the pulp because it continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it after the root canal treatment. The process involves the use of gutta-percha to provide much-needed tooth pain relief and is a cornerstone of restorative dentistry.

Who Needs a Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. But how do you know if you need one? The signs you need a root canal treatment can vary, from subtle to severe.

Persistent Tooth Pain: This is the most common sign. The pain might be constant or it might come and go, but it’s a clear signal that something is wrong.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: Lingering sensitivity after consuming hot or cold foods and drinks is another key indicator. This happens when the infection has reached the tooth’s nerves.
Swollen Gums: Swelling or tenderness in the gums surrounding a particular tooth can be a symptom of a tooth abscess, which often necessitates a root canal.
A “Pimple” on the Gums: A small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the painful tooth may indicate that pus is draining from an infected root.
Tooth Discoloration: An infected tooth can sometimes darken in color due to the compromised pulp.

The Root Canal Surgery Process

The term “root canal surgery” can sound intimidating, but modern dentistry has made the process routine and comfortable. It typically follows these steps:

Anesthesia: The dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Access: A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp chamber.
Cleaning: The procedure involves making an opening in the tooth and using small instruments to remove the damaged pulp and clear out the root canals.
Shaping and Disinfection: The canals are then shaped and thoroughly disinfected to prepare them for the filling.
Filling: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material, often a rubber-like compound, to seal them off and prevent future infection.
Restoration: The tooth is sealed with a temporary filling, and you will return for a permanent restoration, usually a crown, to protect the treated tooth.

Benefits of Timely Root Canal Treatment Near You

Delaying a needed root canal can lead to more severe problems. By addressing the issue promptly, you can enjoy the following root canal benefits:

Relieve Pain: The procedure eliminates the source of the pain, providing immediate and lasting relief from the toothache.
Prevent Infection Spread: A timely root canal stops the infection from spreading to other teeth, the jaw, or even other parts of the body.
Preserve Your Smile: Saving the natural tooth helps maintain the structure of your jaw and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting.
Maintain Function: A restored tooth functions like any other, allowing you to chew and speak normally.

Aftercare for Root Canal Treatment

Following proper aftercare instructions is crucial for optimal healing and the long-term success of your root canal treatment. Here are some general aftercare tips:

Manage discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage any mild discomfort following the procedure.
Practice good oral hygiene: Maintain a regular brushing and flossing routine to promote healing and prevent future infections.
Avoid strenuous chewing: Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored with a permanent crown.
Dietary recommendations: After a root canal, doctors recommend avoiding hard or sticky foods in the diet.
Follow-up appointment: Attend your scheduled follow-up appointment with your dentist to ensure proper healing and evaluate the need for a permanent restoration.

Financing the Cost of Root Canal Therapy in California

The cost of a root canal depends on the tooth’s location and the complexity of the case. Molars typically cost more to treat than other teeth during a root canal procedure. While it can seem high, it’s a worthwhile investment to save your natural tooth.

Insurance Coverage: Most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion, typically 50 to 80 percent, after you meet your deductible. Check your plan for specifics.

Financing Options: If you lack insurance or have a high deductible, several options can help:

In-Office Payment Plans: Many dental offices offer flexible payment schedules.
Healthcare Credit Cards: Services like CareCredit provide special financing with deferred interest options.
HSAs & FSAs: Use pre-tax dollars from these accounts to cover the cost.

By exploring these options, you can make a needed root canal more affordable.

Other Endodontic Treatments in Los Angeles & Studio City

There are several types of endodontic treatment, and the type you receive will depend on your specific dental needs. Common endodontic treatments include:

Apicoectomy: In some cases, root canal therapy may not be enough to treat the infection or damage to the tooth. In these cases, an apicoectomy may be necessary. This involves removing the root’s tip and any infected tissue and sealing the root to prevent further infection.
Pulp Capping: If the damage to the tooth is minor and hasn’t caused an infection, your dentist may recommend a pulp capping procedure. This involves placing special material over the damaged pulp to help it heal and prevent further damage.
Regenerative Endodontics: This newer type of root canal therapy helps the damaged pulp in young teeth heal and regenerate. This involves using special materials to stimulate the growth of new pulp tissue and blood vessels in the tooth.
Root Canal Retreatment: In some cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may become infected again. In these cases, non-surgical root canal retreatment may be necessary to remove the infection and restore the tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is root canal therapy painful?

How long does root canal therapy take?

What are the three main reasons for root canal therapy?

What happens after root canal therapy?

Is root canal therapy painful?

No, root canal treatment ins’t painful. The belief that root canal therapy is painful is a common misconception. Thanks to modern dental technology and local anesthetics, the procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a regular dental filling. The pain associated with a root canal is actually caused by the infection or inflammation in the tooth’s pulp, and the procedure is designed to relieve that pain.

How long does root canal therapy take?

The duration of root canal therapy can vary, but a single appointment typically lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. The time required depends on the complexity of the tooth being treated. In some cases, a second appointment may be needed to complete the treatment.

What are the three main reasons for root canal therapy?

The need for a root canal arises when the dental pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels—becomes inflamed or infected. The three primary reasons for this are:

Deep decay: When a cavity is left untreated, it can progress through the tooth’s outer layers and reach the pulp.
Cracked or chipped tooth: A fracture in the tooth can create an opening for bacteria to enter and infect the pulp.
Repeated dental procedures: Multiple treatments on the same tooth can cause damage or trauma to the pulp over time.

What happens after root canal therapy?

After the root canal therapy is completed, the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. It’s crucial to follow up with your dentist to have a permanent restoration placed, which is usually a dental crown. The treated tooth can become more brittle without the living pulp tissue, and a crown provides a protective covering to prevent future fractures.

Discover if a Root Canal Treatment Is the Answer to Your Tooth Pain

Ultimately, prioritizing your oral health with timely and effective care is essential. Root canal therapy at Dr. Lavi’s practice is a proven solution for resolving painful infections, preserving your natural tooth, and securing your smile for years to come. We are here to help you get back to a life without dental pain.

We welcome patients from Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and the San Fernando Valley. Don’t let a toothache control your life any longer. To schedule your consultation and find the relief you need, please contact our Studio City dental office at (818) 980-8472 or our Los Angeles office at (213) 623-2212.

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