Root Canal Treatment – Studio City, CA
Gentle Relief for Problem Teeth
Root canal treatment is a safe, effective solution for saving a tooth that’s been damaged by decay or infection. At Studio City Dental Arts, we specialize in providing gentle care to relieve your discomfort and restore your oral health. With the help of advanced anesthetic techniques, modern root canals are actually no more uncomfortable than a standard filling! If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, our team is here to help you feel better—quickly and comfortably.
Why Choose Studio City Dental Arts For Root Canal Treatment?
- Highly Experienced and Friendly Dentist
- Dental Sedation Options Available
- In-network for Many Popular PPO Dental Insurance Plans
Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?
While it’s difficult to determine the right treatment without a consultation, you may need a root canal if you experience symptoms like:
- Persistent toothache or throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
If you notice any of these signs, contact our Studio City office to schedule a consultation so we can find the cause of your discomfort. A root canal may sound intimidating, but it’s a routine procedure that can save your tooth and prevent complications down the road.
The Root Canal Process
At Studio City Dental Arts, root canals are performed with precision and care by Dr. Shahrestany to ensure your comfort. Here’s what you can expect:
- Numbing: We’ll use local anesthesia to ensure the area is completely numb before the procedure begins. If you opt for dental sedation, we can administer nitrous oxide to help you relax. Oral conscious sedation medication must be taken prior to your appointment.
- Cleaning the Tooth: Next, the infected pulp inside your tooth is carefully removed, and the canal is cleaned with an anti-bacterial fluid to eliminate germs.
- Filling the Canal: The empty space is filled with a special natural material called gutta percha to prevent re-infection.
- Sealing the Tooth: Lastly, a temporary crown is placed to protect the tooth and restore its function until a permanent restoration can be fabricated.
This entire process is designed to relieve your pain and save your tooth, often in just two visits!
The Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Root canal treatment offers several important benefits, including:
- Pain Relief: Eliminates the infection causing your toothache and swelling.
- Tooth Preservation: Saves your natural tooth, avoiding extraction and the need for tooth replacements like implants or bridges.
- Improved Oral Health: Stops the spread of infection to surrounding teeth, gums, and other areas in your body.
- Restored Function: Allows you to chew and speak comfortably once the tooth is repaired.
- Better Aesthetics: A root canal and crown can repair and hide dental damage, restoring the appearance of your smile.
At Studio City Dental Arts, we’re dedicated to making your root canal experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible. With a gentle, modern approach, you can enjoy a healthier, pain-free smile in no time!
Understanding the Cost of Root Canals
The cost of root canal treatment can seem prohibitive for many patients, but it’s much more affordable than leaving the issue untreated! A root canal saves your natural tooth, preventing it from worsening over time and evading complications that could lead to more costly procedures. At Studio City Dental Arts, we know some patients stress over financial details, but we’re here to help! Read more below to learn what influences root canal costs and how we help you get the care you need without burdening your budget.
Factors That Can Affect Root Canal Cost
Several factors influence the cost of root canal treatment, including:
- The Tooth’s Location: Teeth near the back of your mouth are often harder to see and more difficult to reach—adding to the complexity of treatment.
- Severity of the Infection: Advanced infections may require additional care, increasing the overall cost.
- Need for a Dental Crown: After the root canal, many teeth require a crown for protection, which adds to the total expense.
During your consultation, we’ll provide a clear breakdown of costs and answer any questions to help you plan for your care. You’ll never see any surprise fees on your treatment plan!
Is it Cheaper to Extract My Tooth?
While tooth extraction may seem like a cheaper alternative, it often leads to higher costs in the long run. Removing a tooth leaves a gap that adjacent teeth will begin trying to fill, altering your bite. Over time, this can cause alignment issues that are more expensive to treat than simply getting a root canal would be.
Replacing a lost tooth will also add to your total costs. Dentures, bridges, and dental implants are all separate treatments that are necessary to restore the function of your smile and prevent more complex and expensive problems. This makes a root canal a much more cost-effective option for restoring a damaged tooth.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for root canal treatment, as it’s considered a medically necessary procedure. However, coverage amounts can vary, so it’s best to check with your provider to understand your benefits. At our Studio City office, our team will gladly help you review your insurance plan, estimate out-of-pocket costs, and maximize your coverage to reduce expenses. You can count on us to have your oral health and your budget in mind for the duration of your treatment and beyond!
Other Options for Making Root Canal Treatment Affordable
At Studio City Dental Arts, we believe quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. To make root canal treatment more affordable, we proudly accept CareCredit financing for qualified patients.
This service allows you to split the cost of treatment into manageable monthly payments, often with little to no interest! This is a great way to get the care you need now so you can more easily manage your finances later.
If you’re concerned about cost, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you find a solution that fits your budget while protecting your oral health.
Root Canal FAQs
How Much Pain is Normal After a Root Canal?
It’s normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after a root canal. This is due to inflammation around the treated tooth and your body’s natural healing process. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, as well as cold compresses can help reduce your discomfort until the site heals.
Until your tooth is feeling better, try to avoid chewing on it to prevent irritation and sensitivity. If your pain persists or worsens after a few days, contact Dr. Shahrestany. She can examine your mouth, determine the issue, and help you find relief.
What Should I Do Before a Root Canal?
Preparing for a root canal is simple but important:
- Take your prescribed antibiotics (if advised by Dr. Shahrestany).
- Eat a light meal like oatmeal, soup, or eggs and toast a few hours before the procedure since your mouth may be numb afterward.
- Wear comfortable clothes for your appointment.
- Stay hydrated the day before and the hours before the procedure.
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before (and the night after) to reduce nervousness and promote healing.
Following these suggestions will help make your root canal experience as stress-free as possible!
What Happens if You Wait Too Long for a Root Canal?
Delaying a root canal can worsen the condition of your tooth and surrounding tissues. The infection may spread, leading to a dental abscess, bone loss, or even the need for tooth extraction. Untreated infections can also affect your overall health as the bacteria move through your bloodstream to other parts of your body.
At Studio City Dental Arts, we encourage addressing dental issues early to preserve your natural smile and avoid more invasive treatments. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a consultation!
Are Root Canals Safe During Pregnancy?
According to both the American Dental Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, root canals are generally safe during pregnancy. In fact, they’re often necessary to treat infections that could harm both you and your baby. The second trimester is typically the best time for dental procedures.
At our Studio City office, we use pregnancy-safe techniques, including local anesthetics that won’t affect your baby. It’s best to always let us know about your pregnancy so we can tailor your care for comfort and safety for you and your developing child.