Root Canal Treatment in Marina del Rey and Culver City

A root canal procedure may sound like a scary prospect, but its fearsome reputation is overblown. With modern techniques, a well-executed root canal causes only minimal discomfort—often no more than a routine filling. It’s certainly far better than suffering the pain of a toothache! You might suspect you need a root canal in Marina del Rey or Culver City. Learning about the procedure can help put your mind at ease.

Why You May Need Root Canal Therapy

Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp. This pulp can become severely decayed or infected due to untreated cavities or injuries. When this happens, it often causes intense tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or gum swelling. In such cases, a root canal treatment (also known as root canal therapy) is the best way to remove the infection inside the tooth. It will also relieve your pain.

Without a root canal, the infected tooth will eventually die, requiring extraction. Even worse, an untreated infection can spread to your jaw or other teeth, leading to severe swelling, bone loss, or further tooth loss. Prompt canal treatment can prevent these issues. It cleans out the infection and seals the tooth before the bacteria can spread.

Fortunately, a root canal at Elegant Dentistry in Marina del Rey is a tried-and-true method to save natural teeth that would otherwise need extraction. In fact, about 15 million root canal procedures are performed every year in the U.S.15 million times every year to stop infections and preserve teeth. It is a safe and effective procedure for patients of all ages both younger and older patients. Our dentist in Marina Del Rey will evaluate your tooth to determine if a root canal is the best option or if another approach would be better.

How Is a Root Canal Procedure Performed?

A root canal procedure typically involves a few key steps to remove the infected pulp and protect your tooth. If our exam shows you need a root canal, here’s what to expect:

1. Examination & X-ray: We examine the affected tooth and take X-rays to see the extent of the damage or infection.
2. Local anesthesia: We numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel pain during the procedure.
3. Removing the pulp: We make a small opening in the top of the tooth and remove the infected or dead pulp (nerve tissue) from inside the tooth.
4. Cleaning the canal: After removing the pulp, we clean, disinfect, and shape the empty canals. This step eliminates any remaining bacteria and helps prevent further infection.
5. Filling and sealing: The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha) and sealed. We place a filling on top of the tooth to close the opening and keep out contaminants.
6. Crown placement: Finally, we place a crown over the tooth to restore its strength and function. If the root canal treatment takes more than one visit, a temporary filling or crown will protect the tooth between appointments – just avoid chewing hard foods on that tooth until the permanent crown is placed.

In short, modern root canal therapy is a straightforward procedure that can save your tooth and stop your pain. With the infection gone and the tooth sealed, you can resume normal brushing, flossing, and eating once the permanent crown is on.

Schedule Your Root Canal in Marina del Rey

If you have a toothache or have been told you need a root canal, contact Elegant Dentistry today. Our team in Marina del Rey, serving Culver City and surrounding areas, is ready to save your tooth and relieve your pain. Call (310) 827-2792 or visit [1†our contact page] to schedule your root canal in Marina del Rey consultation. We’re here to help you take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile.