Root Canal Treatment Newport Beach

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you might be feeling apprehensive and a little nervous. The term itself has developed an unfair reputation based on outdated treatment methods, which lead people to believe it’s a painful or daunting procedure. Thankfully, modern root canals are a routine, relatively painless therapy that can actually save your natural tooth. Understanding when a root canal is required and what to expect from the procedure can help you make a well-informed decision about your oral health and reduce your fears surrounding this common treatment method.

At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, offers sophisticated root canal treatment using advanced techniques and technology. Dr. Sharbash provides exceptional care focused on preserving your natural teeth while ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure. Her patient-centered approach combines clinical excellence with a light-hearted atmosphere to help ease anxiety during treatment.

What Is a Root Canal and When Is It Necessary?

A root canal is a dental therapy used to treat an infection or damage deep inside your tooth. Your teeth have a soft inner tissue called pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected because of decay, a cracked tooth, or repeated dental work, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth from extraction.

Some common signs you may need a root canal include:

• Persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing
• Sensitivity to temperature
• Swollen or tender gums
• A darkened or discolored tooth
• An abscess or pus on the gums

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your Newport Beach dentist as soon as possible for an appointment. The quicker your issue is addressed, the better your odds of saving your tooth and avoiding further complications.

How Does The Root Canal Procedure Work?

While the idea of a root canal might sound discouraging, modern dentistry has made the procedure comfortable and efficient. Dental professionals perform more than 41,000 root canals every day, making them a safe and widely used treatment for saving an infected tooth. Here is what you can likely expect during your root canal procedure:

• Diagnosis and imaging: Your dentist will take digital images and X-rays to determine the extent of damage and confirm if a root canal is necessary.
• Local anesthetic: A numbing agent will be applied to the gums surrounding the infected tooth to ensure you feel little to no pain during the procedure.
• Removing the infected pulp: Your dentist will create an opening in the tooth to locate the inside chamber and remove any infected or damaged tissue.
• Disinfecting and shaping the canals: Once the damaged tissue has been removed, the canals inside the tooth’s roots will be disinfected and shaped to prevent future infection.
• Filling and sealing the tooth: The empty canals will be filled with an organic material called gutta-percha, and the opening will be sealed to keep bacteria out.
• Final restoration: Most often, a crown is bonded over the treated tooth to provide additional support.

The entire root canal process typically takes one or two visits, depending on the complexity of your case. Thanks to improvements in dental technology and anesthesia, many individuals report that getting a root canal feels similar to having a cavity filled.

How To Care For Your Root Canal After Treatment In Newport Beach?

After your root canal treatment, proper aftercare is vital for a smooth recovery and long-term success. Your dentist will give you detailed care instructions, but here are some tips to ensure your tooth heals correctly:

• Manage any discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever
• Be gentle and avoid chewing on the treated tooth for the first few days
• Maintain a quality oral hygiene routine
• Attend all of your follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress

If you encounter severe pain, swelling, or symptoms of infection, contact your dentist immediately, as these could be signs of a complication. With the right attention and care, a root canal can last a lifetime. 

Why Choose Newport Beach Dental Center For Your Root Canal Treatment?

At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash brings exceptional credentials and a patient-first approach to every root canal procedure. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) – an honor earned by only 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada – Dr. Sharbash has completed over 500 continuing education credit hours, including 350 hours of live courses. This devotion to staying current with the latest techniques and technologies ensures you receive the highest quality care in a comfortable, light-hearted atmosphere that helps reduce dental anxiety.

If you’re suffering tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, we invite you to experience the difference that expert care can make. Dr. Sharbash combines her extensive training with a gentle touch and state-of-the-art technology to provide root canal therapies that are both effective and comfortable. Don’t let dental anxiety hinder you from getting the care you need to save your natural teeth and restore your smile. Contact Newport Beach Dental Center today at (949) 760-9212 or through our contact form to schedule your consultation.