Long Beach Root Canal Therapy

the benefits of

Root Canal Therapy at Dodds Dental

Root canal therapy is the best way to preserve your natural tooth if the pulp has become infected. A root canal allows you to get relief from the pain of an infected tooth, and prevents tooth loss due to infection. Since the procedure is usually covered by most dental insurance plans, it is often one of the most affordable ways to treat an infected tooth. If you’re in pain due to an infected tooth, contact us for an appointment at our Long Beach office at (562) 439-0754.

Understanding Tooth Infections

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is required when the nerve-filled “pulp” inside your tooth has become infected. Commonly, this is caused by tooth decay. As the exterior enamel and dentin decay, the pulp becomes exposed to oral bacteria, which infect it and cause inflammation. This can result in a painful and uncomfortable toothache. However, a root canal may also be required due to an impact injury, if a tooth has been cracked or otherwise damaged, and the pulp becomes exposed and infected. In both cases, if the tooth is not treated, the interior pulp and roots will die, and the tooth will eventually fall out, or require extraction.

Know What To Expect

The Root Canal Therapy Process

Despite popular belief, having a root canal is a minimally-invasive process, comparable to having a tooth filled. First, Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin Dodds will clean your teeth and gums, and isolate the tooth that is being treated. Then, the area will be numbed. A professional grade tool is then used to open up a small hole in the enamel and remove any damaged or deteriorated material in the tooth. The tooth is then disinfected and filled with a material called “gutta percha”, and sealed with a temporary filling or crown. In most cases, you will need to come back to get a permanent crown, to ensure your remaining tooth structure is protected.

how to recover

After Root Canal Therapy

Once the numbing agent wears off, you may feel some pain or discomfort after your treatment. You can manage your pain and swelling with over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Your treated tooth also may feel somewhat sensitive and tender, and you may want to avoid chewing with this tooth until these symptoms resolve. You should avoid smoking for at least a few days after receiving a root canal. Most of your pain and discomfort should be gone within just a few days.

What to expect after treatment

Root Canal Aftercare

One of the best things about root canal therapy is that recovery is really fast. You won’t have to worry about any downtime after your appointment. You can even go back to work, school, or any other part of your daily routine after your appointment at Dodds Dental in Long Beach. 
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The only thing to worry about is your temporary crown. You’ll usually get a temporary resin crown after your root canal. This protects your tooth as Dr. Dustin or Dr. Emily works with a dental lab to build a permanent porcelain crown. However, you may want to avoid chewing really sticky or gummy foods on the side of your mouth with the temporary crown. Eating these foods with your temporary crown could dislodge it or pull it out. 
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You should also be careful when flossing. Instead of pulling the floss straight up when flossing your temporary crown, pull it out from the side of the tooth. Flossing straight up and down could loosen your crown and pop it off.

See the before and afters

OF REAL PATIENTS

Root Canal Therapy & e.max Crowns

Stay comfortable during procedure

DOes a root canal hurt?

The root canal process doesn’t hurt at all. Dr. Dustin or Dr. Emily will completely numb your mouth to keep you feeling safe and comfortable. And despite what pop culture may have you believe, getting a root canal is not that invasive. The process is pretty similar to getting a dental filling.
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After your appointment, your tooth may ache slightly. However, you won’t have to worry about the pain and discomfort of your toothache. Toothaches can cause horrible pain that interferes with your day-to-day life, and a root canal in Long Beach is the best way to treat your toothache and get relief.
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What about after your treatment? Well, a successful root canal may cause a little bit of pain for 2-3 days, since the tissue near your treated tooth may be irritated during the root canal procedure. But you shouldn’t be feeling any significant pain or discomfort after this time. 
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If you are still feeling a lot of pain, you should contact Dodds Dental for a follow-up. Pain after a root canal could indicate that the tooth wasn’t fully cleaned during your initial treatment. This can sometimes happen if there are hidden pockets of infected pulp that are not obvious during your initial procedure. You may need an additional appointment to complete your treatment.

You're in good hands

are root canals safe?

Absolutely. Root canal therapy techniques have been used in some form or another for more than two centuries, and modern root canals are very safe and effective. Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin Dodds both have years of experience with endodontic treatments like root canal therapy, so you can trust them to deliver the expert care you need.
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Root canals are really effective, too. They have a success rate of over 95%, and with proper care, your root canal could last a lifetime. If your tooth hurts and you think you may have a tooth infection, a root canal is definitely the best option for relieving your pain, restoring your smile, and improving your oral health.

Let Us Take Care Of You

Schedule Your Procedure Today

Our team, led by Dr. Dustin and Dr. Emily, specializes in informative, caring dentistry. If you’re worried about root canal therapy in Long Beach and are looking for a friendly office that will help you relax, we can help! Contact us now at (562) 439-0754 for your appointment, or come to our office at 5580 E 2nd Street, Suite 202, Long Beach, CA 90803 if you’re in the neighborhood.