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.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of a root canal varies from case to case. The total price depends on a few different factors. This includes which tooth is being treated and the unique complexity of the case. Front teeth typically cost less than molars. This is because molars are unique, as they have more root canals and require more time. In general, root canal treatment ranges from several hundred dollars to over one thousand dollars. The price can also vary in the event that a dental crown is needed afterwards. The pricing will be discussed at your consultation, so you are prepared for the financial aspect before the procedure.
Can a root canal save my tooth?
The primary purpose of a root canal is to save your natural tooth. When infection or decay gets into the pulp of your tooth, it can spread quickly. The pulp of your tooth is the innermost portion that has soft tissues, nerves, and blood vessels inside of it. When left untreated, the tooth can die and require total extraction. It can also be dangerous for your health, as infections can spread beyond just your tooth. A root canal can remove the infection and ultimately save your natural tooth. It is a common restorative treatment option for infected teeth. Root canals are highly successful with an experienced dentist. With proper aftercare, you can keep your tooth for the rest of your life.
What is the recovery time after a root canal?
Recovering from a root canal is generally smooth and straightforward. Most people return back to their routine the day of, or the day after treatment. The treatment itself is performed under local anesthesia. You will experience no pain during the procedure and be entirely comfortable during and after the procedure. It is normal to experience some sensitivity and mild soreness afterwards. Over-the-counter pain relievers are helpful if you experience this. Many patients report that the soreness is much less painful than the pre-procedural pain caused by the infected tooth. Any symptoms after the procedure resolve within one week. If you have any concerning symptoms after treatment, consult with your dentist right away.
Are there alternatives to a root canal?
When the pulp of the tooth has become infected or inflamed, there are limited treatment options. The most common treatment options are tooth extraction or a root canal. A root canal is the preferred treatment option. This is because tooth extraction can cause several unwanted issues. The surrounding teeth can shift, which can impact the integrity of your bite. A root canal also avoids the need for tooth replacement. Keeping your natural tooth comes with long-term benefits. It also saves time, money, and the need for additional dental procedures. This is why a root canal is the most preferred treatment option. However, if a tooth is too damaged, removal may be necessary. This is why it is important to seek treatment right away. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes for your oral health.
Do you offer same-day or emergency root canal treatment?
At Absolute Family Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency appointments. This is for patients who are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling, or signs of dental infection. A dental infection can become a serious health emergency. This is because the infection can spread beyond just your mouth. When this occurs, it can lead to serious health complications. If you are concerned you may need emergency dental treatment, contact the team at Absolute Family Dentistry right away.
