What is a Root Canal?
Los Angeles Root Canal Therapy: What Is It and Why Do I Need It?
Your dentist may have suggested to you that Root Canal Therapy ( otherwise known as Endodontics ) was needed for a particular tooth. They may have briefly discussed some of the facts concerning the procedures involved in root canal therapy but perhaps you would like some more information.
Years ago, a badly infected tooth, or one that just had significant decay, was doomed to be extracted. Today the majority of these teeth can be salvaged through a procedures utilized by both the General Dentist and the specialist, the Endodontist.
Extraction is truly our last resort!
Some indications of the need for root canal treatment may be:
- Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
- Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone.
Root Canal treatment consists of:
- The removal of the infected or irritated nerve tissue (Fig.2) that lies within the root of the tooth. It is this infected pulp tissue that causes an eventual abscess.
- The first step in a Los Angeles root canal is to obtain access to the nerve. This is accomplished by establishing a small access opening in the top of the tooth. It will be done under a local anesthetic. ( Fig. 3 )
- The length of the root canals is determined and the infected pulp is removed.
- At the same visit, the canal where the nerve is located will be reshaped and prepared to accept a special root canal filling material. This filling procedure will probably not occur until your next visit. The number of visits necessary to complete your root canal will depend upon several factors including the number of nerves in the tooth, the infected state of the nerve and the complexity of the procedure. (Fig. 4)
- The final step in your Root Canal will be the sealing of the root canal with a sterile, plastic material, called gutta percha This is done in order to prevent possible future infection.( Fig. 5)
- The tooth will then possibly need a post and core and a crown in order to re-establish normal form and function. This decision will be based upon several additional factors. (Fig. 6)
If treated early, root canals need not be uncomfortable. With the use of local anesthetics, the entire procedure can be totally painless.
Another “ Old Wive’s Tale “ is that by removing the nerve the tooth becomes “ dead “. This is not true. The tooth is very much alive and functioning because it receives a source of blood supply and nerve supply from the surrounding tissues that hold it in place in your jaw bone. The tooth will have no sense of feeling to hot, cold or sweets but will be responsive to biting pressures etc. With the proper restoration the tooth should last as long as your other teeth and can even be used as an anchor tooth for a partial denture or cemented bridge. The success rates for root canal therapy have been reported to be as high as 95%.
Sometimes when there has been long standing infection or abscess, there may be some soreness associated with the first or second root canal visit. If this should turn out to be true you will be given specific instructions to follow to minimize the discomfort. When an infection is present, it may be necessary to take an antibiotic. If pain should be present, analgesics may need to be prescribed. In either case, be sure to call your dental office if either of these problems should arise.
POSTOPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
- Postoperative discomfort is sometimes experienced after a treatment visit. This is due to irritation of the bone surrounding the tooth and may range from a mild discomfort in the area to an occasional episode of considerable pain. This discomfort will usually maximize in approximately 48-72 hours and then subside. Please avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a few days.
- If a throbbing sensation occurs please keep your head elevated as much as possible and place extra pillows under your head when lying down. Avoid as much as possible any strenuous activity as well.
- If your tooth has been left open to aid in drainage of an infection, please place cotton in your tooth as directed. Do not leave the cotton in the tooth between meals.
- If swelling of the gum is present or should appear after a treatment visit, please rinse the area every 1-2 hours with a solution of warm salt water prepared by adding a teaspoon of salt to an 8 oz. Glass of warm water.
- If swelling of the face is present or should appear, apply an ice pack to the area for 5 minutes every ½ hour.
- If antibiotic medication has been prescribed please take it as indicated until you have finished ALL of the medication. If you encounter any difficulty in breathing or a skin rash, or gastric disturbance should occur, please discontinue the medication and call the office.
- If medication for pain has been prescribed , please take it as indicated. It is important to bear in mind that narcotic medications such as Codeine, Vicodin, Percodan and Demerol may make you drowsy. Therefore, caution should be exercised in operating any potentially dangerous machinery or an automobile.
For more information about Los Angeles Root Canal Therapy
By Arthur Kezian
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS – 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777
Make an immediate appointment
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 1156 Google & Yelp reviews.
- Eloisa Tovar4/28/2024I have been feeling so much better since starting treatments at Dr. Kezian's office. They have a great network for second opinions and specialists. They keep me informed on what steps are needed and where I am in my treatment plan. They are above and beyond patient with my anxiety. I do not wish gum disease on anybody but this is definitely the place I would recommend for healing and maintenance.read moreread less
- shiuvaun egan4/23/2024I was able to get an appointment quickly to get my cleaning and have a sore molar checked out. Dr. Steve was wonderful.. He reassured me about my tooth and was able to save it! The office staff is always so nice. I love their office, very clean, great location in Larchmont and so easy to find parking.read moreread lessAny Agopian4/22/2024I went for routine checkup and cleaning. Dr Tashjian and staff were very professional as always. My appointment was on time and went smoothly. Dr. Tashjian found that one of my crowns was loose. She removed it took X-rays and cemented it back. She explained each step and made sure I was comfortable and knew what to expect. A very positive experience overall.read moreread less
- Romina Nalli4/13/2024Outstanding family practice!! My mom and I have been coming here regularly for years now and they’ve been consistent with the quality of service and care. Dr. Steve and staff are fantastic. We will continue to get our dental cleaning, and all dental needs at Dr. Kezian’s office for many years to come. Friendly staff, quality care and top notch professionalism; what more can we ask for?! Thank you so much!!read moreread less
- Kate P4/13/2024Friendliest staff, the best experience at the dentists I’ve had in my adult life. The office is warm and welcoming and Doctor Steven is extremely knowledgeable. I can tell he had my best interests and concerns in mind without being pushy about any procedures! I look forward to going back and making this place my dentist going forward!read moreread lessCharmine Sylvestre4/13/2024I wish I had a megaphone to scream to the top of the mountains. I was so so desperate to find any doctor that would fix the gap that I had between my front teeth. My confidence was to the floor especially since I am a model. I randomly called Dr. Steven’s office and he said I can come in. Immediately, I was greeted with warmth and kindness. Ugh. So amazing. Such a clean and beautiful office too. Dr. Steven was honest and gave me his professional opinion but I was so certain he can fix my gap without breaking my bank. He did it. Was so patient. Talked me through it and when I tell you I cried ?!?? I NEVER in my life felt this confident. He fixed it and I can’t stop smiling. I’ve never had pretty teeth like this. Thank you so much. I am so thankfulread moreread less
- Olivia Griffian4/11/2024I was having intense pain, and I stopped in without an appointment, and they were able to see me within 30 minutes. I remembered how great everyone in this office was from a 2022 visit when I brought my teenage niece in, and they were kind and accommodating. This time, they were equally concerned, polite, and incredibly professional.read moreread less
- The Art Of Be4/08/2024Best Dentist I’ve ever had in my life. Patient and proficient in his craft. He made me feel like he really cared for my well being. I’m gonna have to keep going back cause I can’t trust anyone above him. This place is all together awesome. Not enough stars can be given here.read moreread less
- D Nordell4/07/2024I have been going to Dr Mike for several years now and have always found him to be very competent and professional as well as friendly and kind. The office staff is very warm and comforting, too. At my last visit I was able to look out in a beautiful garden from the dental chair!read moreread lessJoseph Lamping4/07/2024I am impressed by the professionalism that characterises this office.The staff works assiduously to ensure an appropriate experience.They pay attention to my concerns and make me feel comfortable.I am lucky to have such a dedicated team to take care of my dental health.read moreread less
- Glen Moore3/15/2024As always, my visit to the dentist was a pleasant one. The staff is all friendly and professional from the technicians to the office and reception, (thanks Karine for always keeping me up to date). Dr Tashjian is very kind and has a gentle but thorough hand. She explains every procedure and makes you feel very comfortable Its a lovely clean office and a very good vibe all around. I am so glad to have found them.read moreread less