Root Canals

A severe toothache can make it difficult to eat, sleep, or focus on your day, and it's often a sign that the soft tissue inside a tooth has become inflamed or infected. Root canal treatment removes that damaged tissue, relieves the pain, and lets you keep your natural tooth instead of losing it to extraction.

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At MacArthur Dental Arts in Irvine, CA, we take a gentle, patient-focused approach to root canal therapy, using modern anesthesia and technique to keep you comfortable from start to finish. Whenever a tooth can be successfully treated and restored, our goal is to help you keep it as a healthy part of your smile.

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Signs You May Need a Root Canal

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• Persistent or severe toothache
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums
• A darkened or discolored tooth
• A recurring pimple or drainage near the gums

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Some teeth that need root canal treatment cause little or no pain at all, which is why a dental evaluation is important any time you notice these warning signs.

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What to Expect During Treatment

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After thoroughly numbing the tooth, your dentist creates a small opening to access the pulp chamber, removes the infected or inflamed tissue, and carefully cleans and shapes the canals before filling and sealing them. Depending on the tooth and the complexity of the case, treatment can often be completed in one or two visits. Because a root canal doesn't restore all of a tooth's lost structure, a dental crown may be recommended afterward, especially for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.

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Root Canal vs. Extraction

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When a tooth can be predictably restored, root canal treatment offers an alternative to extraction that lets you keep your natural tooth and avoid the additional procedures, like an implant or bridge, needed to replace it. While a root canal may have a higher upfront cost than a simple extraction, it can be more economical in the long run once tooth-replacement options are factored in.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Does a root canal hurt?

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With modern anesthesia, most patients find the procedure feels similar to getting a filling. Any tenderness afterward is usually mild and temporary as the surrounding tissue heals.

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Can a root canal save my natural tooth?

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Yes. Root canal treatment is designed to preserve a natural tooth whenever it can be successfully treated and restored, rather than removing it.

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Will I need a crown after my root canal?

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A crown is often recommended when a tooth has lost significant structure, particularly for back teeth. Your dentist will determine whether one is necessary for your case.

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How many visits does a root canal take?

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Most root canals are completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the complexity of the treatment.

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Is sedation available if I'm nervous about treatment?

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Yes, oral sedation is available at MacArthur Dental Arts for appropriate patients who experience dental anxiety, in addition to local anesthesia.

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Schedule a Consultation

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If you're experiencing persistent tooth pain or have been told you may need a root canal, contact MacArthur Dental Arts at (949) 251-8544 to schedule a consultation.