Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Mission Viejo
Tooth decay or dental injuries can both put your teeth in a dangerous situation. But having the right dentist on your side can keep your smile whole and alleviate any painful or unpleasant symptoms. With a root canal in Mission Viejo at Turquoise Dental, you can get the treatment you need in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. At Turquoise Dental, we can provide a comfortable and effective root canal treatment in a single visit to patients from Mission Viejo, El Toro, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, and other nearby communities.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Our root canal treatment is a crucial service that can help save teeth that have become infected. Inside the tooth is a part of it called the pulp, a bundle of nerves and blood vessels vital to keeping your tooth alive and healthy. The treatment works by clearing out the infected tissue and then sanitizing the inner tooth to prevent additional bacteria spread. Lastly, we seal off the inner tooth, much like how a filling seals off a cavity. That’s really all there is to it.
Do I need a Root Canal?
Tooth decay is the most common reason our patients need to get a root canal in Mission Viejo. If you catch decay early on, you likely will only need a filling. However, more extensive decay can allow bacteria and germs to enter the inner tooth. When this happens, the tooth can become infected, which comes with a range of painful symptoms. If not treated in a timely manner, patients risk losing the tooth and the infection might spread.
Common situations that may require a root canal include:
- Continued decay under a dental filling
- Tooth decay that has progressed further
- Cracked tooth that exposed the inner pulp
Signs it is Time for a Root Canal Treatment
- Pain: If your tooth hurts, and hurts persistently and sharply, you have a key sign of infection.
- Increased Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
- Noticeable Discoloration (especially grayish-blackish)
- Swollen, discolored, or bleeding gums
- Loosening of the tooth
Please note, that if your sudden tooth pain stops, this is actually could be a sign you need immediate treatment. It may mean that the infection is still there, but cannot be felt because the tooth’s nerves have all died.
What if I Wait for Treatment?
Putting off dental treatment is almost always going to worsen the situation. Pain can get worse, and eventually the tooth might even be lost. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can get back to your usual life without dental pain. Waiting for treatment also puts you at risk for the infection spreading to other teeth or even other parts of your body. Call us today to get the treatment you need and keep yourself healthy and safe.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
With modern dental techniques and technology, we can provide a complete root canal treatment while keeping you comfortable. We carefully numb the treatment area before starting your therapy, ensuring you can have a relaxed experience. Our patients generally report that a root canal is about the same experience as getting a simple, routine dental filling.
We strongly recommend that you do not let the fear of a root canal prevent you from seeking treatment. Doing so will actually result in more pain and discomfort than the treatment itself! Call us today if you notice any symptoms and we can provide additional information about your treatment options.
keep your smile bright: schedule your appointment today
Find relief from an infected tooth as soon as possible by contacting us and visiting our your dentist in Mission Viejo, CA. Give us a call at (949) 454-7474 to schedule your appointment and get timely treatment and full symptom relief. We are ready at Turquoise Dental to get you treatment as soon as possible, and we are happy to answer any questions you might have over the phone.
Root Canal FAQs
How much does a root canal cost?
Root canal therapy typically costs between $700 and $1800, depending on the number of canals the tooth has and the complexity of the case. Teeth at the back of the mouth with severe infection or structural damage may be more expensive to treat than front teeth.
Is a root canal covered by insurance?
Root canal therapy is often covered by insurance. The majority of insurance plans cover 50% to 80% of the total procedure cost. Also, the coverage may depend on the specifications of your plan, your yearly maximums, and deductibles.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
A root canal procedure can take between 40 and 90 minutes depending on the complexity of the case and severity of infection or damage. Teeth at the back of the mouth have more canals than the front teeth and typically take longer to treat.
What is the recovery time after a root canal?
Most patients fully recover after root canal therapy within 7 to 10 days. In the first couple of days, you may experience slight soreness, swelling, or tooth sensitivity to cold and hot foods and beverages. As the healing progresses, these symptoms will gradually subside.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
Root canal therapy is an effective treatment for tooth infections that reach the inner pulp of the tooth. However, if the infection is severe and the tooth’s structure is significantly damaged, the tooth might need to be extracted, as there is a high chance of the root canal failing. Additionally, your dentist might opt for pulp capping if the tooth’s nerve is not yet infected or for pulpotomy when the infection is located in the top of the tooth.
What should I do before and after a root canal?
Before your root canal procedure, it is recommended to have a good night’s rest to help your body recover after the procedure. Also, you should eat right before heading out to the dental office, as you will not be able to eat for several hours after, until the anesthetic wears off. Once your mouth is no longer numb, you can eat something soft, being careful not to chew on the procedure side of the mouth. Then, for the next several days, continue adhering to a soft diet, chew carefully, maintain impeccable oral hygiene, avoid strenuous physical activities, and abstain from smoking and alcohol. If you experience increasing pain or swelling, contact your dentist immediately and schedule a checkup appointment.
What is the success rate of root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a routine procedure performed daily in almost every dental office and has a high success rate of 85% to 97%. Placing a crown after root canal treatment can significantly increase the chances of long-term survival of the tooth.
Do you offer same-day or emergency root canal treatment?
At Turquoise Dental, we offer same-day and emergency root canal treatment. Do not hesitate to contact our office at (949) 454-7474 if you are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Severe and persistent toothache
- Swelling in the gum around the tooth or in the jaw or cheek
- Fever combined with toothache or swelling
