Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in maintaining teeth by procedures that focus on the soft inner tissue of the teeth called the pulp. Endodontic treatment is essentially root canal treatment. The main goal of a root canal is to treat the infected pulp of a tooth, which results in the elimination of infection and protection of the tooth from future microbial invasion.

At Coastland Dental, your dentist in Burbank, we see oral health as the top priority. If tooth decay or periodontal disease has taken a toll on your mouth, we are here to save your teeth and your smile. Our team of professionals will work with you individually to deliver a treatment plan that keeps your smile safe and healthy.

What is Root Canal?

Inside each tooth is a central area where the nerves and blood vessels provide the tooth with everything it needs to survive. This area is called the root canal, and the bundle of material inside it is called the pulp. If this area becomes infected, it can cause severe damage to the tooth. When left untreated, not only do you risk losing the affected tooth, but the infection might spread to neighboring teeth, continuing the process.

In some situations, we may even invite a patient to visit for a same-day appointment if they show signs of severe infection. In times like this, a timely root canal can be the difference between saving or losing a tooth. So we encourage you to contact us at the first sign of symptoms to set up an appointment for an exam and treatment.

How Does a Root Canal Treatment Work?

A root canal procedure removes the infected area in order to save the rest of the tooth from dying. With the infection gone, a special material is filled in its place to keep your tooth functioning properly. Once the damaged pulp tissue is removed, we can then proceed to properly disinfect, clean, fill, and then seal the infected portion of the tooth. The tooth often requires a crown to protect the tooth.

With a root canal, it is all about timing. If you wait too long, it might be too late for the procedure. It is essential to schedule an appointment as soon as you begin experiencing symptoms. Regular checkups are also vital, as they can catch issues early on, giving your tooth a better chance of survival.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

The term “root canal” has gained a reputation from movies and TV for many people. Because of that, this procedure can daunt plenty of patients at first. However, not only are root canals a common procedure, but they are actually far from painful. Most patients report that a root canal feels no different from receiving a filling. The area is anesthetized, so there shouldn’t be any sensations beyond mild discomfort. You can speak with the Coastland Dental team before treatment to learn more about the numbing process and what you can expect. In cases where patients have significant dental anxiety, we may be able to explore options for sedation dentistry.

What are the Post-Op instructions for Root Canal treatment?

After you receive treatment, the area will still be anesthetized for up to a few hours. That means you won’t have much feeling in the area, so avoid eating or drinking anything hot as you may burn yourself. Additionally, be careful when chewing or speaking to avoid biting your cheek or lips. After the anesthesia wears off, you might experience some mild discomfort or soreness on the tooth that has been treated. This may last anywhere from 7-10 days, but it is a completely normal part of the recovery process. Slight swelling may also occur, which isn’t unusual post-op. Continue to take any prescribed medication unless instructed otherwise by the doctor.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Coming to our office for a root canal in Burbank can be a quick path toward restoring your oral health and alleviating symptoms. Rather than putting off treatment, we encourage you to contact our office and set up your appointment today. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, we even have same-day appointments available in moments of need. We look forward to helping you move forward with a healthier, pain-free smile.