Real Talk About Root Canal Treatment

You may be surprised to find there is a day devoted to root canal treatment. It’s in May and will be observed on May 14 this year. It may seem a little weird to celebrate a procedure that lots of folks fear, but root canals have saved many teeth over the years.  At Encino Dream Smile, we want to cut through the fear and misinformation to give you the real story. 

So let’s talk about root canal treatment: what it is, how it works, and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.

Spoiler alert: It’s way less scary than you think.

What Is a Root Canal Treatment, Really?

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. You may need one if the pulp (the soft inner tissue of your tooth) becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma. Signs you may need this treatment include tooth pain, discomfort when chewing, a discolored tooth, chronic bad breath, and swollen or tender gums.

Typically your only two choices for dealing with infected pulp are a root canal or an extraction. The root canal can relieve pain and preserve your natural tooth.

Rather than pulling the tooth, your dentist cleans out the infection, disinfects the area, fills it, and seals it to prevent future problems. Then we usually place a crown to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.

The Root Canal Process: What to Expect

Let’s break it down so there are no surprises. Before and during the procedure you’ll experience:

  • Consultation and X-Rays – We’ll evaluate your tooth using digital X-rays to see the extent of the damage. If a root canal is the best course of action, we’ll talk you through every step.
  • Local Anesthesia – Modern root canals are virtually painless. You’ll be completely numb in the area being treated..
  • Sedation if You Want It – If you’re still nervous, you can receive soothing sedation. We offer three methods, one of which will be right for you. 
  • Cleaning and Shaping – Your dentist makes a small opening in the top of your tooth to reach the infected pulp. Using tiny instruments, we carefully remove the damaged tissue and bacteria.
  • Disinfecting and Filling – The empty canals are disinfected and filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This seals the space and prevents reinfection.
  • Temporary or Permanent Seal – Depending on your tooth’s condition, we’ll either place a temporary filling or move straight to the final crown restoration.

After your root canal there will be: 

  • Mild Discomfort – You might feel a little sore for a couple of days. Over-the-counter pain meds usually do the trick.
  • Follow-Up – A permanent crown is placed (if not done already) to restore your tooth’s full function. Once complete, your tooth will look, feel, and function just like the rest.

Debunking Common Root Canal Myths

Let’s clear the air on a few common misconceptions:

“Root canals are super painful.”
 Not anymore! With today’s technology and anesthesia, the experience is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.

“It’s better to just pull the tooth.”
 Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option for your long-term oral health, bite alignment, and wallet.

“You’ll need tons of appointments.”
 In many cases, a root canal treatment can be completed in just one or two visits.

Still Nervous? Let’s Talk

Yes, dental procedures can feel intimidating. But once you’ve experienced a gentle, efficient root canal treatment with us, you’ll wonder why you ever worried in the first place.

At Encino Dream Smile, we combine compassionate care with cutting-edge technology to make your experience smooth and stress-free. Your comfort matters just as much as your results.

If you think you may need root canal treatment, call us at 818-796-5544 for an appointment in Encino, CA. You can also schedule online.