The Truth Behind Root Canals Ladera Ranch, CA
Root canal treatment can preserve an infected tooth. Left untreated, tooth infections can spread to other parts of the body. Root canal treatment is a standard procedure that saves millions of teeth each year.
Root canals are available at Synergy Dental Group of OC in Ladera Ranch and the surrounding area. Saving your tooth can be easier than you think. Call us today at (949) 600-4466 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
When Root Canals Are Necessary
Root canal treatments are one of the most common types of endodontic treatment. They become necessary when the inner tissue of the tooth's root canal (or pulp) becomes infected or inflamed. This may happen for several reasons: cracks or chips in the teeth, deep decay, or repeated dental procedures. The pulp may also sometimes be infected or inflamed without any signs of external damage.
There are some other telltale signs that someone may need a root canal. As endodontists are experts in addressing tooth pain, patients should seek medical attention immediately if they begin experiencing severe pain while biting or chewing. Many patients who need root canals also develop pimples on the gums, temperature sensitivity, swollen or tender gums, or darkened gums.
“As endodontists are experts in addressing tooth pain, patients should seek medical attention immediately if they begin experiencing severe pain while biting or chewing.”
A Safe and Common Procedure
Root canals happen more often than you think. According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million of them were performed from 2005 to 2006. That breaks down to 41,000 procedures performed in the United States every day. Root canals eliminate bacteria from the tooth and ultimately save it from needing to be removed.
Often, the procedure allows patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. Despite the frequent misconceptions, root canals are low-risk and can be compared to a routine cavity filling. Thanks to advancements in dental techniques and technologies, root canals yield successful outcomes with fewer complications.
“Root canals are more common than you think.”
Common Myths About Root Canals
Unfortunately, there are many common myths about root canals that stop patients from seeing the endodontist. The main three misconceptions are:
- It is painful to get a root canal.
- Getting a root canal will cause illness.
- Tooth extraction is better than root canal treatment.
While root canal treatment may have been painful in the past, modern technology and anesthetics have made the experience no more discomforting than getting a cavity filled. Root canal treatments also reverse toothaches by removing the source of infection or inflammation. Plus, endodontists are experts in pain management.
Furthermore, the claim that links root canal treatment to illness is based on an outdated and poorly designed research study that has long since been debunked. While some may claim that root canal treatment may make patients more likely to become ill or contract certain diseases in the future, there is no valid, scientific evidence supporting this theory.
Finally, it is always best to save a natural tooth whenever possible. In most cases, this is safer, less painful, and more economical than a tooth extraction. Preserving a natural tooth lessens the risk of further infections, and, as mentioned, root canal treatments are typically not as painful as people believe. Many people also mistakenly believe that tooth extraction is the cheaper option. However, this is often untrue when considering the whole picture.
“While root canal treatment may have been painful in the past, modern technology and anesthetics have made the experience no more discomforting than getting a cavity filled.”
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What to Know About Root Canals
Though root canal treatments are a safe and standard procedure, some complications may occasionally occur. These are rare but still crucial for patients to know about. The likeliest possible complication is that new infections may occur after a root canal treatment. Reasons may involve:
- A breakdown of the filling material, allowing bacteria back into the inner tooth
- A higher-than-anticipated number of root canals in a tooth, leaving one or more uncleaned
- A problem with the restoration allowing bacteria into the inner tooth
- An undetected crack in the tooth's root
In most cases, a doctor can address these problems with endodontic retreatment. Occasionally, however, endodontic surgery may be necessary (most commonly an apicoectomy, also known as a root-end resection).
“Though root canal treatments are a safe and common procedure, some complications may occasionally occur.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Are there any complications associated with root canals?
Q. Are root canals a safe and common procedure?
Q. What are the pros and cons of root canals?
People Also Ask
Q. When are root scaling and root planing necessary?
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
Q. What is the difference between endodontists and dentists?
Q. What are some alternatives to a root canal?
Q. How can you save a tooth with a root canal?
Q. What are the keys to understanding root scaling and planing?
The Pros and Cons
Consider a few root canal pros and cons when weighing the options. Some of the benefits include:
- Preserving the natural tooth, which will function better than any dental implant
- Preventing the spread of infection
- Relief from tooth discomfort
- Being a viable alternative to tooth extraction
In the end, the most important reason to get a root canal is that it will save the natural tooth. This will help with chewing, normal biting force, appearance, and protecting the rest of the teeth from excessive wear and tear. However, there is no guarantee that the procedure will be 100% effective. Following the procedure, the patient will need to be careful with the tooth since it will become brittle and be more susceptible to cracks. In some cases, a failed procedure can cause an infection to spread.
As with any dental procedure, there are risks to having a root canal. No matter the case, our dentist and team will take every precaution necessary for the patient's safety. Our dentist will help each patient weigh these pros and cons to assist them in making the right decision.
“Consider a few root canal pros and cons when weighing the options.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When would I need a root canal?
A. Root canals can be necessary when an infection in your tooth reaches the tooth's nerves and causes extensive decay. A bad crack or broken tooth can also require a root canal. Signs you may need a root canal include extreme tooth discomfort while chewing and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids.
Q. Are root canals painful?
A. Several myths surround root canals, and pain is one of them. A root canal is no more painful than having a cavity filled. Our dentist will help you manage any pain during and after the procedure.
Q. Can I have another procedure other than a root canal?
A. When it comes to saving your natural tooth from infection or decay, a root canal is the preferred option. The only other viable alternative is tooth extraction. Dentists recommend attempting to save your natural tooth before choosing extraction.
Q. What can I do to avoid root canals in the future?
A. To avoid root canals in the future, practice good oral hygiene along with scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings. Also, limit sugary foods to help protect your teeth from decay. If you play contact sports, wear a custom-made mouthguard to avoid the risk of teeth injury.
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Endodontic Terminology
Learn More Today
Root canal treatments can make the difference between preserving or losing your teeth. We at Synergy Dental Group of OC can help. Call us today at 949-600-4466 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
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.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, Las Flores, and Coto De Caza
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