Our dentists and team understand that the thought of a root canal can be daunting. Our team, led by Dr. Leila Zamiri, Dr. Leila Zamiri, and Dr. Leila Zamiri, is here to provide a friendly, kind, and caring environment that sets your mind at ease. Specializing in root canal treatment in Long Beach, California, our practice ensures individualized attention and a commitment to your comfort and dental health. We’re not just any office; we provide one-on-one time with each patient, ensuring all your questions and concerns are addressed. Serving patients throughout Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, and surrounding communities, we’re dedicated to preserving your natural smile with compassionate, expert care.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to remove bacteria and dying or dead tissue from inside the tooth. The treatment focuses on the tooth’s pulp – the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or severely inflamed, a root canal can save your tooth and prevent the need for extraction, preserving your natural smile and preventing other teeth from drifting out of line and causing jaw problems. This procedure essentially removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, then fills and seals the space to prevent further infection.
When Is This Treatment Recommended?
Our experienced dentists may recommend root canal therapy in Long Beach when a tooth’s pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to various factors. Common reasons include deep decay that has reached the tooth’s pulp, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, large fillings, cracks or chips in the tooth, or trauma from accidents or sports injuries. Symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal treatment include severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, darkening or discoloration of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, or recurring pimples on the gums. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are present, which is why regular dental checkups at our Long Beach practice are essential for early detection.
The Treatment Process
The root canal process is designed for maximum comfort and effectiveness. The treatment begins with a comprehensive examination and X-rays to assess the tooth’s condition and surrounding bone structure. Once we determine that root canal therapy is the best option, we’ll schedule your appointment and discuss any concerns you may have. During the procedure, local anesthesia is carefully administered to ensure your complete comfort throughout the treatment. Dr. Zamiri, Dr. Salcedo, or Dr. Hushein will then create a small access hole in the crown of the affected tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, the infected or inflamed pulp is gently removed, and the root canals are carefully cleaned and shaped. The canals are then disinfected with antimicrobial solutions to eliminate any remaining bacteria. Once thoroughly cleaned, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed with adhesive cement. Finally, the access hole is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. In most cases, a crown will be placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance, completing your smile restoration.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment offers numerous advantages for patients in Long Beach and surrounding areas. The primary benefit is preserving your natural tooth, which is almost always preferable to extraction and replacement with an artificial tooth. This procedure effectively eliminates pain and discomfort caused by infection or inflammation, allowing you to return to normal eating and daily activities. Root canal therapy stops the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues, protecting your overall oral health. The treatment restores normal biting force and sensation, maintaining efficient chewing function. Additionally, it preserves your natural appearance and smile, preventing the need for more complex and expensive tooth replacement procedures. By keeping your natural tooth, you also prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to bite problems and jaw issues. Most importantly, with proper care and regular checkups, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime, making it a cost-effective long-term solution.
Pros and Cons of Root Canal Treatment
Pros: The advantages of root canal treatment are significant and long-lasting. This procedure allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is always preferable to extraction. It provides immediate pain relief from infection or inflammation, restores normal function for eating and speaking, and maintains your natural smile appearance. Root canal therapy is highly successful, with success rates exceeding 95%, and treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. The procedure is also more cost-effective than tooth extraction followed by replacement with implants or bridges.
Cons: While root canal treatment is highly beneficial, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Some patients may experience mild discomfort for a few days following treatment, though this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. The procedure may require multiple appointments depending on the complexity of the case. Additionally, the treated tooth will likely need a crown for optimal protection and function, which represents an additional investment. Some patients may feel anxious about the procedure, though our compassionate team specializes in helping nervous patients feel comfortable and relaxed throughout their treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Is root canal treatment painful?
Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is not painful when performed with modern techniques and anesthesia. Our dentists will ensure you’re completely comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients report that the treatment feels similar to getting a large filling. Any post-treatment discomfort is typically mild and can be managed effectively with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does the treatment take?
Most root canal treatments are completed in one to two appointments, each lasting about 60-90 minutes. The exact duration depends on the complexity of your case and which tooth is being treated. Our team works efficiently to minimize your time in the chair while ensuring thorough, high-quality treatment.
How long will my tooth last after treatment?
With proper care, including good oral hygiene and regular checkups at our Long Beach practice, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. The key is maintaining excellent oral health and protecting the treated tooth with a crown when recommended.
Will my tooth look different after treatment?
In most cases, your tooth will look completely natural after treatment and crown placement. We take great care to match the color and shape of your existing teeth. If your tooth was discolored before treatment due to infection, you may actually notice an improvement in appearance.
What if I’m nervous about the procedure?
We completely understand dental anxiety and are here to support you every step of the way. Our team specializes in creating a calm, comfortable environment. We offer sedation options for anxious patients and always take the time to explain each step of the process. We never rush you and provide personalized, one-on-one attention to address all your concerns.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal when it’s needed?
Delaying necessary root canal treatment can lead to worsening infection, increased pain, abscess formation, and ultimately tooth loss. The infection can also spread to surrounding teeth and tissues, potentially requiring more extensive and expensive treatment.
Root canal treatment in Long Beach, California, doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. With the experienced and caring team at Leila Zamiri DDS, including Dr. Leila Zamiri, Dr. Leila Zamiri, and Dr. Leila Zamiri, you’re in excellent hands. Our commitment to friendly, personalized care and our use of the latest technologies ensure that your root canal therapy will be as comfortable and effective as possible. Whether you’re from Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, or surrounding communities, we’re here to help you maintain your natural smile with confidence. Contact us at 562-422-6868 to learn more or to schedule your consultation today.