Effective, Comfortable Root Canal Treatment
A root canal should be about improving how you feel. Contrary to what many people think, tooth pain only gets better from the moment you step into our office in Beverly Hills for a pain-free treatment. In addition to symptom relief, we address the core cause to boost your oral health.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal cleans out the inner part of the tooth after it has been compromised due to injury or infection. The most common reason for needing this treatment is decay that has progressed to enter the inner tooth, creating an infection (or abscess). Without treatment, this condition could progress, ultimately leading to tooth loss and additional complications.
Treatment takes between 30 and 60 minutes most of the time, and patients walk out of the office feeling significantly better. Every treatment uses local numbing administered using state-of-the-art equipment. No pain, only relief.
Endodontic Care from a Board-Certified Dentist
Experience truly makes a difference. When working with a highly qualified specialist, you have the comfort of knowing your dental work will be done right. From relieving symptoms to giving your teeth long-term protection, our treatment methods put your comfort and health front and center.
What Makes Dr. Kalasho Different?
What Are the Benefits of a Root Canal?
- Symptom Relief: A tooth infection can mean some severe pain. But once that infection is cleared up with treatment, you should begin feeling better right away.
- Save Your Tooth: Infections that progress too far can end up killing the tooth! In some cases, this may even result in tooth loss. A root canal is ideal for saving your tooth before infection can leave a lasting mark on your smile.
- Protect Your Health: Give your body the needed boost to fight off the infection and prevent it from spreading to other teeth (or other parts of the body). Oral health is foundational for whole-body health.
- Pain: For many patients, severe tooth pain is the most noticeable symptom of an infected tooth. It can become so significant that it begins interfering with your daily life.
- Gum Issues: Swelling, bleeding, or discolored gums can also point to needing treatment. An infection tends to spread beyond the tooth and cause increasing symptoms.
- Damage Assessment: Following injury, a broken tooth can expose the inner part of the tooth. Even if an infection has not started, you may need treatment as a protective measure.
How to Prepare for a Root Canal
A root canal is a routine dental procedure, but it is still essential to properly prepare for it. The more prepared you are, the less stressful the procedure will be. Here are some different ways to get ready for the procedure.
- Ask questions. If you have never had this treatment before, you may be nervous and not know what to expect. That is why it is a good idea to ask your dentist questions about the procedure. For example, you may want to ask what the recovery process is like and if there are any risks. The more you know about the procedure, the better you will feel.
- Avoid smoking before your procedure. It is recommended to stop smoking tobacco at least 24 hours before your procedure. The nicotine can increase bleeding during the procedure and hinder your recovery.
- Purchase the right foods. After the procedure, your tooth may be tender. As such, you may have to avoid hard and crunchy foods for at least several days. As such, you should stock up on soft foods, like pudding, yogurt and eggs.
- Get a good night’s sleep. A root canal might not be a major surgical procedure, but it is still important to be well rested for it. If you get a good night’s rest, you will feel less anxious the day of your procedure. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Your dentist will give an anesthetic before your procedure, but you may still want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever a couple of hours before your procedure. These medications can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Eat a meal. It may be difficult to eat right after the procedure because your mouth will be numb and sensitive. To avoid feeling too much hunger, eat a nutritious meal before your treatment.
Root Canal FAQs: Answers at a Glance
How does the treatment work?
It is quite similar to a filling. Your dentist clears out the damaged or infected inner part of the tooth and then seals it off. It is that simple. In more severe cases, a crown may be placed over a significantly damaged tooth as well.
How long does a root canal treatment take?
Most patients can expect 30 to 60 minutes for a single tooth. However, a more complex treatment may take a bit longer.
Is the treatment painful?
Thankfully, it is painless! We take care in applying local numbing to the treatment area. All that most patients feel is some pressure while the dentist is working. Afterward, some soreness is normal, but generally, it is mild and quickly resolves.
Can you eat afterward?
We recommend waiting until the numbing wears off before eating (usually within a couple of hours). Otherwise, it is easy to accidentally bite your tongue, cheek, or lips.
How fast will my symptoms improve?
Expect some immediate improvements, and then you should feel back to 100% better within about 3 days.
Can you floss a treated tooth?
You can floss after, but generally only if a permanent sealant has been placed. Still, we recommend being gentle. If you struggle to slide floss between your teeth, let us know.
How long do the results last?
Patients can expect a treated tooth to hold up well for about 10 to 15 years. Routine dental visits and good at-home hygiene can go a long way in prolonging your results.
How much does a root canal in Beverly Hills cost?
The cost of a root canal treatment varies. The final price depends on whether X-rays are needed, anesthesia, and the extent of treatment. However, most insurance plans will reimburse patients for this treatment, which helps offset the costs. We also offer patient memberships that provide you with more affordable care.
Protect Your Smile and Health Today
All it takes is a few seconds to fill out our online form and you set yourself up for improved oral health and symptom relief. Set up your root canal treatment consultation appointment with Dr. Kalasho, the top dentist in Beverly Hills to learn more about how the treatment works and how it can protect your smile.