Painless Root Canal Treatment
Our offices have been performing root canals (Endodontics), removal of the nerve from tooth, through Root Canal Treatment for over 40 years. Our goal is always to make a Root Canal Treatment as quick and painless as possible. Performing treatment on an infected tooth allows us to decontaminate the pulp caused by bacterial presence inside of the tooth structure, relieving pain and allowing the tooth to be resealed and restored to working function. A Dental Crown is often used to cover & protect the tooth after the infection has been removed.
At Carson & Carson DDS, we offer Sleep Sedation which is commonly used in conjunction with a root canal treatment to provide you with a completely painless experience that won’t even be remembered. We are often able to do this procedure the same day. If you are looking for immediate relief from toothache pain, give us a call today (805) 983-0717.
Advantages of Root Canal Treatment
When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, Root Canal is an effective treatment which can help maintain:
- Efficient chewing
- Protection of other teeth from excessive wear or strain
- Normal biting force and sensation
- A more natural appearance
Are Root Canals Painful?
A common misconception is that a root canal treatment is a terribly painful process, but this is untrue in a majority of the cases we see. Root canals are used to relieve pain, not cause it. Although most of our patients feel little to no pain when getting a root canal treatment due to the local numbing and pain medications used in this treatment, this process of removing infected pulp is different for every tooth and every patient has a varying level of tolerance for pain. At Carson & Carson, we offer IV sedation for any patient who may fear the pain that may accompany a root canal treatment. Ultimately, a root canal treatment is the solution to a painful problem and is done in order to prevent further pain caused by the infected pulp of a tooth and save the remaining portion of the natural tooth from decay. After the treatment has been performed, many patients experience a small amount of pain and sensitivity for a few days in the affected tooth. Pain medication can be prescribed for those who feel that the pain is too much to handle after a root canal treatment is performed. Recurring or consistent pain that does not disappear a few days after the treatment is not normal and may be a sign of further infection. Call your dentist right away if you are in pain days after your root canal treatment.
Process of Root Canal Treatment
- Local anesthesia is administered by your dentist to numb local area around affected tooth. A dental dam may be placed around the tooth to keep it dry during the procedure.
- Your dentist will then use a drill to create a hole in the top of the tooth so the inside of the tooth is accessible.
- Your dentist can now clear the infected pulp out of the tooth and begin the process of tooth repair by shaping the inner chamber of the tooth and root. The chamber of the tooth may have all the pulp washed out of it or have an antimicrobial solution inserted into it to prevent further infection.
- The dentist can now proceed to fill in the empty chamber with a rubber-like material called gutta percha, and afterward, the tooth can be closed using a temporary filling.
- After you have healed from the removal of the root, a permanent crown can be placed over the tooth to finish off the procedure.
Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment
If a tooth is badly decayed or severely broken, a Dental Implant is a more predictable treatment than root canal therapy. This is often the best alternative if the tooth is too fragile for a crown after the infection has been removed.
In preparation for the installation an implant, we would first remove the tooth. After the removal of the broken tooth, we would firmly embed a dental implant into the open slot to restore your jawline to beautiful, working order.
Root Canal FAQs
Root canal treatments can seem scary to many people, but it doesn’t have to be painful nor difficult to deal with. With the right approach and all of the right tools, from the right dentist, you can achieve a successful root canal treatment and put an end to pain caused by dental decay and infections. Read on to learn more about attaining a painless root canal treatment and the steps you should take at every stage of the process.
Do I Really Need a Root Canal?
The first step to finding out whether or not you need a root canal or not, is to visit your dentist. They will perform an oral examination on your teeth and may also use X-rays to determine if there is any decay in the tooth. If they decide that you do not need a root canal, then it’s likely that antibiotics would be prescribed for what might be an infection from the tooth’s nerve. If, however, they determine that you need one, then it’s likely that local anesthesia would be used to ensure that no pain occurs during the procedure. From there, the proper routine would occur.
How Does a Root Canal Work?
A root canal is a procedure to remove infected and damaged tissue from the interior of a tooth. The goal is to save the tooth from the extraction or possible loss of function and keep it healthy by preventing an infection from spreading to other parts of your body. The dentist will first numb the area with local anesthesia to reduce discomfort. Then, using small dental instruments, the dentist will drill through the surface enamel and into the center pulp chamber, where they will clean out any infected material. To finish, they will seal the tooth with a filling or crown. Sometimes patients experience sensitivity in their teeth after getting their root canals done because nerves may have been damaged during treatment.
How Can I Get Rid of Toothache Pain?
If you have a toothache, you must see a root canal dentist as soon as possible. However, there are some things you can do in the meantime to alleviate the pain. First, try chewing on the other side of your mouth or biting down on a piece of hard candy or ice. We typically do not recommend having candy, but in this case, if it’s an emergency and you really need to relieve pain while you wait for the dentist – then we give you the pass. These techniques should help relieve some of the discomforts, temporarily – especially while you wait to head to the dentist. If they don’t work, try applying cold compresses or ice packs to the area.
Is It Okay to Get My Teeth Cleaned Before a Root Canal Treatment?
If you are a regular dental hygiene-goer, then the answer is yes! Getting your teeth cleaned and checked by your dentist before root canal treatment is an excellent idea to ensure that there are no cavities or other problems. If you have not been to the dentist in a while or have never seen one, then getting your teeth cleaned will also be beneficial for the overall health of your mouth.
Will My Teeth or Gums Hurt After the Procedure Is Complete?
The truth is that you may experience some discomfort after the procedure is done. This is because your tooth will be sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. It’s really important to take good care of your teeth in the days following treatment so as not to cause any further damage. After about two weeks, if all goes well, you should have no more symptoms or pain. In most cases, the patient can return to their normal daily activities within three or four days of undergoing a root canal procedure.
Can I Eat Typically Right After Having This Done?
Eating after a root canal is relatively safe, though you should avoid any foods that are hard to chew or might irritate the area. Avoid crunchy, acidic foods like apples, oranges, and grapes for 24 hours. There are no restrictions on the amount of food you can eat or drink after a root canal treatment. After your first meal, rinse your mouth with water to remove bacteria from the tooth roots and gum tissue. Be aware that anesthetic medications may cause dry mouth and numbness in your tongue. Be sure to stay well hydrated!
Root Canal Case Studies
These here are radiographs, X-RAYS of successful root canal treatments. Some are single canal and some are multiple. Front teeth are single canal, where as the back molars are three canals.
See more of the root canal case studies from our past 45 years of endodontic work.
Carson & Carson DDS: Over 4 decades of Experience in Endodontics
A Root Canal Treatment doesn’t have to be a dreadful, painful experience. Get help from the Oxnard dentists with over 45 years of experience at Carson & Carson, DDS. For questions, or to make an appointment, call our Oxnard office today at (805) 983-0717. We are available 24 hours a day for emergency dental treatment. Affordable dental care and thousands of root canals performed at Carson & Carson, DDS in Oxnard, California. Call today or find a dentist near me.
Book an Appointment