Root Canal

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At Encino Family Dental, the moment you step into our office, you feel at home. With each root canal treatment we provide, our goal is to ensure a positive experience that leaves you feeling at your best. Find relief, save your tooth, and keep your smile in good shape with this routine dental procedure.

What Is a Root Canal?

The root canal is technically the interior part of the tooth where the pulp (nerves and blood vessels) resides. We also call the treatment that addresses issues with the pulp a root canal. This treatment clears out the inner part of the tooth and seals it off, preventing issues like infection or even tooth death. The two most common reasons a patient would need a root canal is because of infection or damage to a tooth. When done in time, a root canal can keep your tooth from dying and potentially falling out.

$129 - Comprehensive consultation, including full exam, full set of X-rays and BASIC cleaning
$89 - Focused consultation for a specific concern localized issue
$385 - Wisdom tooth extraction

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(818) 600-6866

Are Root Canals Painful?

One of our patient’s biggest worries about root canals is regarding pain. We have good news. A root canal should involve no pain. We carefully administer local anesthetic to keep the treatment area completely numb. You may feel a slight pinch when we inject the numbing solution, but after that, you can expect a comfortable experience.

After your procedure, you may feel some soreness around the treated tooth. If this feels uncomfortable, an over-the-counter pain reliever will take care of it. Even this mild soreness fades within a day for most patients.

How Do I Know If I Need It?

There are telltale signs that your toothache might need root canal therapy. Signs to look out for include:
  • Teeth pain with chewing or biting down on food
  • Pain sensitivity to hot and or cold temperatures
  • Darkening of the painful tooth
  • Noticeable swelling on the gums near the problem tooth
  • Presence of a simple on the gums
If you’re noticing these signs, call us right away. If there is any question that you might need a root canal, it is vital to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Time is of the essence, and waiting too long can lead to the need for an even more complicated procedure.

What Happens If I Don’t Get The Root Canal?

Delaying treatment for any medical concern only tends to worsen the problem. The same holds true for root canal treatment. The longer you wait to have treatment, the more likely one or more of the following will happen:

  • The infection could spread.
  • Pain can worsen.
  • The tooth can become brittle and likely to break.
  • You may develop gum disease.
  • Your tooth might die.

In short, call our office as soon as you notice any signs that you might need a root canal. In emergency cases, we can even see you for same-day root canal treatment.

Is It Better To Have A Root Canal Or Tooth Extraction?

Given the option between root canals and tooth extraction, a root canal is the better choice. Of the two, it is the procedure that will at least save your natural teeth. Tooth preservation is essential for mouth function and bone density.
It might seem like a small change, but missing teeth and having gaps in your mouth can weaken your jaw bone. Losing a tooth can also change your chewing and biting mechanics, which can result in further teeth damage.
Thus, having a tooth extraction will require a replacement, such as a dental bridge or dental implant. This is a viable option, but if a root canal is still an option, that is the direction to take. Extraction should always be saved for when there is no other treatment option.

How Can I Avoid A Root Canal?

If you need a root canal, there should be no denying the reality. However, like many other dental problems, root canals can be prevented. At Encino Family Dental, we believe in prevention and avoidance. So to avoid seeing a dentist, we recommend the following:
  • Brushing twice daily
  • Flossing after meals
  • Avoiding hard foods and candies like lollipops
  • Don’t chew ice
  • Wear a proper night guard if one is a jaw clencher
  • Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks like sodas
  • Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings
  • Get tooth pain checked out immediately
We understand that it can be challenging to maintain constant care of your teeth. But, a little effort each day can go a long way to ensuring life-long dental health.

Are There Any Alternatives?

The only alternative to having a root canal is tooth extraction. They are then replacing the missing tooth with a bridge, implant, or denture. These alternatives will need more investment in time and money for patients. It is the best option to save an infected, painful tooth.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you’re currently experiencing a toothache, call Encino Family Dentist today. We accept many insurances and offer same-day appointments for your convenience. Let us get you out of pain today so that you can smile tomorrow.
Remember, waiting won’t do your teeth any favors. If you believe you might need dental attention, schedule an appointment today. Our team of skilled dental experts will provide you with the care you deserve and need.

Frequently Asked Question

How long do root canal results last?

A root canal treatment tends to last for about 10 years. Eventually, the material used to seal the tooth can get worn down. When this happens, you will want your dentist to renew the material to prevent bacteria from entering. A root canal treated with a crown can last even longer, with many patients seeing benefits for 15+ years.

The cost of a root canal will vary according to how complex it is and the type of seal you use. Sealing a root canal with a crown will cost more than with composite resin. However, the type you need will depend on the state of your tooth.

The good news is that most insurance plans provide good coverage for root canal treatments. While the amount of coverage will depend on your individual plan, it should provide reimbursement for much of the out-of-pocket costs.

Your root canal procedure will begin with your dentist administering a local anesthetic via injection in the gum. The anesthetic starts working within a couple of minutes and completely blocks all sensations at the procedure site. Then, your dentist will access the inner chambers of the tooth through its crown to remove the infected pulp and clean the canals. The last step is to fill the canals with a biocompatible material and seal the tooth. A dental crown may be placed after the root canal if the tooth is significantly weakened by infection and requires reinforcement.

Typically, it takes 7 to 10 days to fully recover after a root canal. During the first several days, you may experience mild soreness at the procedure site and tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages. These symptoms will gradually subside as the recovery progresses. To ensure that your recovery is swift and smooth, we recommend following your doctor’s post-procedure care recommendations.

We do offer same-day and emergency root canal treatment at our office. Symptoms that indicate you may require an emergency root canal include:

  • Acute toothache
  • Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face
  • Fever in combination with a toothache

If you experience such symptoms, do not hesitate to contact our office at (818) 600-6866, and we will do our best to admit you as soon as possible.

Many dental insurance plans cover root canals as they are considered a medical necessity. In the majority of cases, you can expect your insurance to cover 50% to 80% of the total cost of the procedure, with the remainder of the cost paid out-of-pocket. However, the amount of the coverage may depend on yearly maximums and deductibles. We recommend contacting your insurance company and your dentist before the visit to ensure that your procedure will be covered.

To prepare for your root canal procedure, we recommend:

  • Aim for sleeping for 8 to 9 hours the night before the procedure
  • Eat well before heading out to the dental office, as you will not be able to eat for several hours after the treatment
  • Do not consume alcohol for 24 hours or use tobacco products for 12 hours before your appointment
  • Arrange a ride home from the dental office, as you may feel tired or slightly disoriented due to an anesthetic

During your root canal recovery, we recommend following these tips:

  • Abstain from eating until the numbness fully subsides to avoid biting too hard on the newly treated tooth
  • Maintain thorough oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day to prevent bacterial growth in the mouth
  • Be gentle when brushing and flossing at the procedure site
  • Switch to soft foods for several days and avoid chewing on the procedure side of your mouth
  • Avoid hot and cold foods and beverages
  • Abstain from nicotine and alcohol, as both these substances slow down regeneration
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity
  • Take plenty of rest and ensure that you sleep for a full 8 hours a night
  • If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take the entire course to avoid reinfection of the tooth
  • Use over-the-counter painkillers and cold compresses if you experience pain or swelling
  • Contact your dentist immediately if the pain intensifies throughout your recovery

 

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HAPPY CLIENTS

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Dr. Yassa is amazing! She is so thorough, patient and very professional. Takes time to explain the procedures to help reduce anxiety. She is the dentist for our entire family, and the boys love her!!

Dave C.
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I have had plenty of Dentist's over the years but none are as good as this one. I found it through a friend and hands down it's the best. The staff is great and very welcoming. I love the TV screens above your head as it keeps your mind on something other then the work being done. Also all the equipment is state of the art.

Craig W.
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I have seriously been all over the valley, to some awful butcher dentists over the years. Thank goodness for Dr. Yassa! I'd been avoiding going for over 2 years, my anxiety was through the roof! Dr. Yassa treated me so very kind and was so very personable. I will be going back and I will be referring my friends. Thank you Dr. Yassa and Encino Family Dental!

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