Root Canal Treatment Ladera Ranch, CA
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that saves millions of teeth from inflammation and infection each year. Root canal treatment involves removing the damaged pulp and nerves from inside the tooth to eliminate bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading. If you have an infected tooth, root canal treatment may be able to save it.
Root canal treatment is available at Synergy Dental Group of OC in Ladera Ranch and the surrounding area. This procedure can relieve dental pain and save your tooth. Call us at (949) 600-4466 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today.
The Purpose of Root Canals
Patients may need a root canal if they have severe tooth decay. Untreated decay can spread into the tooth pulp, triggering a painful infection.
Symptoms can include:
- Tooth pain
- Fever or facial swelling
- Cracked, broken, or discolored teeth
- Discolored gums
During a root canal, the dentist drills away decay. They also use small instruments to scoop out infected or inflamed pulp from within the tooth. Then, the dentist cleans and shapes the inside of the tooth.
After the root canal is complete, the dentist fills the tooth with a biocompatible material. Finally, the dentist places a small cap over the tooth. This covering is known as a crown. Crowns protect a fragile or damaged tooth from breakage.
“Patients may need a root canal if they have severe tooth decay.”
Benefits of Root Canals
Root canals can help patients avoid tooth extraction. During a root canal, a dentist works to restore a decayed or damaged tooth. This treatment can preserve smiles, prevent future decay, and strengthen damaged teeth.
Preserving a patient’s smile
Extractions can leave gaps in the patient's smile. Many patients feel self-conscious about their appearance after having a tooth pulled. Root canals boost the patient's confidence and enhance their appearance.
Preventing future decay
During a root canal, the provider removes all decay and infection. They clean the inside of the tooth to prevent the infection from returning. Without a root canal, decay can spread throughout the patient's mouth.
Strengthening a damaged tooth
Decayed teeth are vulnerable to breakage and injury. As part of a root canal procedure, the provider attaches a crown. This tooth-colored cap protects and supports the tooth.
“Without a root canal, decay can spread throughout the patient’s mouth.”
The Root Canal Process and Potential Complications
According to Healthline, root canal treatment typically involves four steps. First, we will take an X-ray of the infected tooth and numb the treatment site. Next, we will place a dental dam, or small protective sheet, over the area to protect the spot from saliva and bacteria during the procedure. Then we will make a small incision near the tooth's crown to expose the infected pulp before removing the infected tissue and cleaning out the pathways. Once the canals are clean, we may apply a topical antibiotic to kill any remaining infection. Once the tooth is filled and sealed, we will place a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and restore its functionality.
As with any semi-invasive procedure, root canal treatment is not without its risks. In some cases, the damage is too extensive for treatment to be viable. If root canal treatment occurs in this situation, it could result in tooth loss. Though rare, root canal treatment can also result in abscesses. This typically only occurs if the improper infected pulp removal occurs or if the antibiotics are ineffective. Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.
“Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Ladera Ranch, CA
Root Canal Prevention
Good oral hygiene can help patients avoid root canals. Most patients who need root canals have severe tooth decay. Patients can prevent decay by brushing and flossing twice daily and avoiding sugary foods and drinks. A high-sugar diet is linked to an increased risk of tooth decay.
Routine dental care is also essential. During a dental exam and cleaning, dentists remove decay-causing plaque. They also provide treatment for any cavities. Patients who undergo cavity treatment right away are less likely to need a root canal.
Some patients may require a root canal after a tooth injury. Patients can avoid injury by wearing a mouthguard while playing sports. Never attempt to cut objects or open packaging with the teeth. Chewing on hard objects can lead to tooth breakage and oral infection.
“Patients who undergo cavity treatment right away are less likely to need a root canal.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during root canal treatment?
Q. What are the benefits of a root canal?
Q. How can I avoid a root canal?
Q. What are some alternatives to a root canal?
People Also Ask
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
Q. What is the difference between endodontists and dentists?
Q. Are root canals a safe and common procedure?
Q. Are there any alternatives to root canals?
Q. How can you save a tooth with a root canal?
Q. Are pain and tenderness when touching the teeth or chewing a sign of a problem?
Root Canal Alternatives
Sometimes, the dental team may recommend an extraction. During an extraction, the provider removes the entire tooth. Extractions can resolve deep infections by removing the affected tooth. However, tooth loss can lead to future dental problems. It is better to avoid extraction whenever possible.
“Extractions can resolve deep infections by removing the affected tooth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a root canal?
A. Root canals can remove infected or inflamed pulp. Pulp is a soft tissue that helps keep the tooth anchored within the mouth. It supplies blood flow and connects the tooth to nerve endings. During a root canal, a dental provider cleans out the pulp and fills the tooth. They also place a crown on the tooth to protect it from future damage.
Q. What are some alternatives to a root canal?
A. Root canals are a good option for most patients since they preserve the natural tooth. Patients who keep their natural teeth may avoid future dental problems. Preserving the teeth prevents jawbone loss, spacing issues, and jaw misalignment.
However, a root canal is not right for everyone. If the tooth becomes severely damaged, the dentist may opt for extraction instead. During an extraction, the dentist removes the entire tooth. He or she can then prepare a false tooth to fill the gap.
Q. Are root canals painful?
A. Modern root canals using numbing medications to prevent discomfort. Some patients may experience soreness after their root canal. However, these side effects usually disappear within a few days.
Q. How much do root canals cost?
A. Costs can vary depending on insurance coverage. As a rule, root canals carry a higher price tag than extraction. However, root canals preserve the tooth and may help prevent the need for future dental care. Our office team can help you compare treatment costs.
Q. Can children receive a root canal?
A. Adults and children can receive root canals for permanent teeth. But if a child develops severe decay or inflammation within a baby tooth, the dental provider may recommend an extraction. Extraction may be the right option if the child will soon lose the affected tooth.
In some cases, however, the provider may opt to perform a baby root canal. These procedures are similar to an adult root canal. Baby root canals preserve the tooth while preventing the infection from spreading.
Scan here to view this page, Root Canal Treatment, on mobile
Endodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
If your tooth is injured or infected, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Our team at Synergy Dental Group of OC can help save your tooth. Call us today at 949-600-4466 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Synergy Dental Group of OC was established in 2022.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Orange County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, Las Flores, and Coto De Caza
- National Provider Identifier Database (1578621355). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Synergy Dental Group of OC on mobile
Back to top of Root Canal Treatment
Related Posts
Choosing An Experienced Cosmetic Dentist For Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatment
It is important to choose a cosmetic dentist that you trust, especially when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Before deciding on the best cosmetic dentist for you, it is helpful to have an understanding of the different types of orthodontic treatments and get an idea of which option might be best for you.Every cosmetic dentist…
Welcome To Synergy Dental Group Of OC
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Ladera Ranch, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Kid-Friendly Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges, Dental Fillings, Dental Bonding and Gum Disease Treatment.
How A Kid Friendly Dentist Makes Dental Trips Easier For Parents
Dental trips can be tough with young children. The fact is visiting a new dentist for the first time is a new experience. However, kid friendly dentist can make dental trips far less intimidating for both children and their parents by offering a fun and relaxed environment in which children feel comfortable. While convincing a child…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Synergy Dental Group of OC on mobile