Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal Therapy in Los Angeles
Have you been told you need a root canal? Or think you might need one?
Endodontics, or root canal therapy, is a series of specialty procedures used to treat problems with the soft pulp tissue inside the tooth. While some individuals mistakenly believe it is a painful procedure, it is usually no worse than getting a filling. For specific types of tooth pain, it’s actually one of the most effective therapies.
A root canal is required when infection or inflammation develops in the pulp tissue of the tooth. Pulp tissue contains blood arteries, connective tissue, and nerve cells, which is why a malfunction here can be extremely painful. The discomfort may fade away over time, or at least for a short period of time. On the other hand, the infection will not go away without treatment. It can lead to a dental abscess and, in certain cases, systemic issues in other parts of the body.
Despite what you may have heard, it is not an excruciating dental procedure. With modern technology, root canals are mostly painless and can be typically completed in a single visit. Root canals can be performed on both anterior and posterior teeth, and Union Dental Center can help treat most cases. If you think you need a root canal, call our Los Angeles, CA office today to be seen right away!
Why Do I Need A Root Canal?
Every tooth is made up of three layers. The outer layer consists of the protective enamel. Under the enamel is the dentin, which makes up most of the tooth including the root. At the center and extending down within the root is the pulp, which is composed of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The pulp plays a critical role while the tooth is developing, but teeth can survive without the pulp.
When you have a large cavity, the bacteria from the cavity enters the pulp and infects it. Symptoms often begin with sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure. If left untreated, it develops into a toothache that worsens over time, and you may also experience swollen gums or an abscess. The purpose of a root canal procedure is to remove the pulp that has been damaged by excess decay, fractures, or other trauma.
Prompt treatment with root canal therapy saves you days of unnecessary pain and avoids the need to have the infected tooth extracted. It is always best to try to save a natural tooth as it aids in chewing, maintaining a correct bite, and improving your appearance.
Steps In A Root Canal
A root canal therapy, also called endodontic treatment, involves accessing the center of the tooth to remove the infected pulpal tissue. Your experience will be much the same as having a filling for a cavity, just bit longer.
We anesthetize the tooth, access the pulp chamber, and remove the infected nerve. We then irrigate the canals with an antibacterial solution and place medication inside the canals to further kill the bacteria.
Oftentimes, we can complete a root canal in a single visit. The clean root canals are filled and sealed with a material called “gutta-percha”. Typically, a crown is required several weeks later, and a temporary filling is placed to protect the tooth in the meantime.
The main function of the pulp is to nourish the tooth. If the pulp is removed as part of a root canal procedure, the remaining tooth structure will eventually become more dry and brittle and thus more likely to break. Therefore, that same tooth will need a full crown to protect it from risk of fracture.
Post-Treatment Care
After a root canal, the tooth may be sensitive and tender to pressure for the first few days, but pain medication will alleviate these symptoms. If your symptoms persist, call us immediately and we will offer other solutions to keep you comfortable.
Keep in mind a root canal procedure can be prevented with routine dental exams and cleanings. We can diagnose small cavities and fill them before they become so large that it starts to compromise the nerve.
#1 Root Canal Specialist in Los Angeles, CA – Top-Rated Root Canal Dentist Near Me – Affordable Root Canal Therapy in LA
Meet Your Award-Winning Dentist
We have been serving the Los Angeles community for almost 40 years since 1980 and have treated over 200,000 patient visits. As a family-owned dental clinic, we care about each and every patient and strive for optimal outcomes for those we serve.
Our dentists collectively have over 90 years of experience and are graduates of USC and other leading dental schools. Our support staff have been a part of the Union Dental Center team for over 60 years, and thus you will always see a familiar face when you visit our clinic.
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We’ll make the process of paying for your dental care as simple as possible! Our office accepts a wide variety of insurance plans, and we’re always happy to file your claim for you so that you can be sure to receive the maximum benefits available to you. Union Dental Center is in network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, MetLife, Principal Financial Group, United Concordia, United Healthcare and more! Call us today to find out how we can maximize your insurance plan!
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Since 1980 - Over 40 Years!
Over 200,000 Patient Visits
Dentists: Over 75 Years of Experience
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |