Root canal treatments were created as a way to eliminate any bacteria from the infected root canal, and to prevent the root canal from being reinfected, while trying to save the natural tooth. When a patient goes under for a root canal, it is due to the inflamed or infected pulp that is removed within the inside of the tooth and is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then finished off by filling it and sealing it.

Depending on the patient’s medical background, they may be prescribed anesthesia to allow the root canal to be less painful during the visit for the root canal treatment. It is no more painful than a regular dental appointment that is completed in a dental office including wisdom tooth removal, and a dental filling. Once the root canal treatment has commenced, you may feel a bit numb, or feel mild discomfort for a few days after the treatment, all of which is normal.

You may begin to notice persistent pain that is not going away, this is one of the first signs that you may be in need of a root canal. When it comes to tooth pain, it can be that you need a root canal, or another dental issue altogether, including:

• Gum disease
• Cavity
• Sinus infection pain
• Damaged filling
• Impacted tooth which is now infected

Another symptom that may elude that you will need a root canal includes any sensitivity to hot and cold food or drinks that can cause a feeling of sharp or dull pain to occur. As well, tooth discoloration can also occur when the pulp of the tooth begins to break down, damage the roots and will begin to give the tooth a grayish-black appearance. Finally, another symptom that can occur includes swollen gums. Swelling within or near the area that is affected will begin to feel tender to the touch.

There are a few more signs than just swelling, pain, or certain sensations including heat felt within the gums; however, it is highly recommended that you visit a dentist for a check-up once every 6 to 12 months to ensure your dental health is unaffected, and cleaning is completed to ensure it stays that way.

Our dental staff will take notes of what should we watch over the next several months as well as any X-rays to keep on record, as these will all help as indicators towards what may or may not need to be completed within the mouth.

Root canals were created to save the tooth from any further infection, but it will not save the tooth from getting weaker. With tooth decay in the background of occurring, a root canal is often recommended to be completed with a dental crown. Dental crowns will be recommended if:

• A tooth becomes weakened

Tooth decay will have a large number of dental issues needing to be removed and will weaken the root before the root canal. If you combine tooth decay and a root canal, you are leaving the tooth in a bad place, and at a higher risk of crumbling when it needs to do its job like chewing, or if you grind your teeth.

• Tooth becomes quite sensitive

At times, only a partial removal will be necessary during a root canal, any remainder will be extremely sensitive to cold, heat, pressure, sugar, and acid. Fitting a crown over the tooth, and is done to protect the tooth from the outside elements.

• Tooth becomes more discolored

Getting dental treatments like root canals and having tooth decay may cause tooth discoloration to occur. If this is the case, a crown may be recommended.

• Tooth has had restoration work completed before

If the tooth that is being worked on needs to be worked on and has previously had work, you are putting a higher risk of another issue occurring in the future if you need to apply a crown.

With all of this, root canals and a crown are often necessary, as they will create a barrier to save the tooth and help restore it to its former glory.

Depends entirely on where within the mouth you are in need of a root canal, as well as where you live within the United States, and if you have any coverage.

On average, a root canal may cost anywhere from $300 to $1500 per tooth. Please contact us at Dentistry of Oxnard if you have any other questions about the root canal treatment or if you’d like a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Iraj Movahhedi, DDS. He would be happy to meet with you. Contact us or schedule an appointment online with our pediatric dentistry specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 4225 Saviers Rd # 9, Oxnard, CA 93033. We serve patients from Oxnard CA, El Rio CA, Port Hueneme CA, Saticoy CA, Camarillo CA, and surrounding areas.