When the inner part of a tooth is at risk, you need to act quickly. Whether the tooth is already infected or at risk of infection, a root canal in Norco is essential to preserve your oral health. At Absolute Family Dentistry, our experienced team can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. We provide rapid treatment that relieves pain, eliminates infection, and preserves your well-being. Call our office today for an evaluation to see if you need root canal therapy.A tooth that is exposed to extensive decay or damage can become infected or inflamed. If your tooth pain shows signs of an infection, you may need a root canal treatment to preserve tooth and avoid the need for extraction.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth. We then clean and disinfect the inner tooth, ensuring no bacteria remain. From there, we seal the tooth, which protects against reinfection and improves the tooth’s stability.
Typical reasons you may need a root canal include:
- Deep decay or a large cavity reaching the tooth pulp
- Cracked or broken tooth exposing the inner nerve
- Infection or abscess at the root tip
- Severe pain or sensitivity to temperature or pressure
Why Choose Our Root Canal Dentist
- Same-day and emergency appointments available
- Advanced digital X-rays and diagnostic imaging
- Years of experience treating complex root canal and retreatment cases
- Gentle, pain-free care for a comfortable visit
- Proven experience preserving natural teeth
Our dentist in Norco is trained to handle both routine and complex cases. From cases involving trauma to deep decay, we deliver results that relieve pain and preserve your smile. A single visit is all that could stand between you and restored comfort.
Suffering from Dental Pain?
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
At first, patients may think they just have a slight toothache. But root canal symptoms can rapidly worsen. Ignoring these symptoms can give the infection time to spread, which could cause lasting bone loss or even tooth loss. Early care is the key to lasting relief. Some signs to contact our Norco office immediately include:
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain
- Facial swelling or gum abscess
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
- Tooth discoloration (darkening)
- Tenderness when biting or chewing
The Procedure
- Diagnosis and Imaging: We assess your situation using digital X-rays and 3D imaging, determining the best path forward.
- Local Anesthetic: A root canal should never cause pain, only relieve it. We always start by numbing the entire treatment area with a local anesthetic.
- Pulp Removal: Your specialist carefully clears the infected or exposed tissue from within the tooth.
- Cleaning and Sealing: Using advanced dental instruments, we thoroughly clean the inner tooth and disinfect it. Then we seal it with a biocompatible material.
- Restoration: Depending on the extent of damage to the tooth, we may seal it with resin or a dental crown.
Root Canal vs. Extraction
If treatment is put off for too long, patients may instead need a tooth extraction. While we always strive to save your tooth, late-stage infections may make this impossible. We only consider extraction when other options will not adequately preserve your oral health. In these cases, we also offer a range of solutions to replace the extracted tooth.
Get Treated Today
Contact our office to set up a consultation and take a step toward lasting relief. With same-day appointments available, we are always here to provide root canal therapy when you need it most.
FAQ
Is a root canal painful?
Not anymore! Modern anesthetic techniques ensure that you feel no pain during your treatment. You may feel a slight pinch while we administer the anesthetic. While this might not be fun, it is very mild and easy to tolerate. In fact, patients should feel almost immediate pain relief following a root canal!
How long does a root canal take?
Depending on severity, a root canal can take one to two visits to fully restore a tooth. Usually, you need two visits only if you will have a dental crown placed after the therapy.
How long do results last?
Root canal therapy can provide lasting restoration to a tooth when performed properly and accompanied by good oral hygiene afterward. When treated with a dental crown, results can last upwards of 15 years. Treatments without a crown tend to last between 5 and 10 years.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, a dental crown is the best way to seal and stabilize a treated tooth. A crown provides better and longer-lasting protection for the tooth than composite resin. However, each case is unique.
Does insurance cover root canal therapy?
Yes! Most dental insurance plans cover part or all of root canal treatment. Our patient care specialist can help verify your coverage and estimate your out-of-pocket costs. We are in-network with most PPO plans and also accept Denti-Cal and Delta Care HMO plans.
When should I go to the emergency room instead?
If your pain is accompanied by severe swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing, you may need to visit your nearest emergency room. They can help get these systemic symptoms under control before you visit us for a root canal. Otherwise, contact us for dental-specific care.
What happens if I delay treatment?
Putting off a root canal only gives the infection more time to spread. With enough time, it could sufficiently worsen to kill the tooth (leading to tooth loss), spread to other areas, or leave lasting bone damage.
