Root Canal Therapy – Mission Viejo, CA
Save Your Natural Tooth
Contrary to popular belief, many people assume that root canal therapy is an uncomfortable or painful experience. The fact is dentists effectively numb the tooth to prevent any sensations from being felt as the root canal therapy is being performed. This makes treatment feel more akin to receiving a dental filling. At the end of the day, Dr. Palmer wants to help you save your teeth however possible, and root canal therapy in our Mission Viejo, CA dental office is one of the most effective ways to do so.
Why Choose Palm Dentistry
for Root Canal Therapy?
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Calming Sedation
Dentistry Available -
Modern Technology Guiding
Your Care - Expert Treatment from Highly Trained Dentist
The Root Canal Procedure
During a root canal, we’ll need to create a very small access hole inside of the top portion of your tooth. This allows us to reach the inner area where the infected pulp tissue lies. Once inside, we can begin clearing away infected tissue, irrigating the canal, and placing gutta percha, a material designed to replace the recently removed infected tissue. After sealing the inner area, we’ll place a dental crown on top.
Root Canal FAQs
Why do I need a root canal if my tooth doesn’t hurt?
If you aren’t struggling with an excruciating toothache when you come to visit us, then you might be surprised when we recommend a root canal. However, discomfort isn’t the only symptom of an infection. In fact, if it’s left alone to progress for too long, it can actually “kill” the nerve, rendering it unable to register pain. All that to say, the situation may not feel urgent, but it very well may be!
Can I take antibiotics instead of getting a root canal?
Since antibiotics can treat bacterial infections in other areas of the body, you might be curious if you can take medication instead of getting a root canal. However, the bloodstream cannot reach the pulp of the tooth. Therefore, we usually only have two options: a root canal or a tooth extraction.
Important reminder: If you struggle with dental-related anxiety, especially around more complex care, you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through the procedure. We offer nitrous oxide, which is a fast-acting, calming solution that can keep stress, worry, and nerves at bay during your time in the treatment chair.
How much pain is normal after a root canal?
Remember, we will numb your mouth before the procedure to ensure that you don’t feel any pain while we work to eliminate the infection. As a result, you likely won’t begin to regain sensation until a few hours after you return home. At this point, it’s normal to experience some sensitivity and discomfort. However, they can easily be alleviated with the aftercare instructions we provide, like taking OTC pain medication as directed.
Can root canals be prevented?
Root canals can often be prevented, yes. The key is to commit to a solid oral hygiene regimen, starting with brushing your teeth twice a day and extending to rinsing with mouthwash daily. You also need to come to our Mission Viejo dental office every six months for a checkup and cleaning. That way, we can remove built-up plaque and treat any cavities that develop in the early stages.
What happens if you wait too long for a root canal?
We mentioned above that the infection can “kill” the nerve if left alone to progress. It can also spread throughout your mouth and body, damaging the tooth beyond repair and negatively impacting your overall health in the process. That’s why we strongly advise against taking the “wait and see” approach. Instead, schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Mission Viejo, Dr. Palmer, right away.
How can I make root canals more affordable?
If you need a root canal, but you’re worried about the cost, don’t hesitate to let us know! That way, we can discuss the different financial solutions that are available, like CareCredit! With their convenient payment plans, you can break up the total price into smaller monthly chunks that fit comfortably within your budget.