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Root Canal Treatment

Smile Perfector Dental Group -  - Cosmetic Dentist

Smile Perfector Dental Group

Cosmetic Dentists located near Carthay, Miracle Mile, and Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, CA

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain and sensitivity, you may need root canal treatment. The Smile Perfector Dental Group, led by David Shouhed, DDS, serving Beverly Hills, Miracle Mile, and West Hollywood residents at the office in the Carthay neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, offers modern, nearly painless root canal therapy in a comfortable, warm environment. If you’re nervous about treatment, ask the practice about sedation dentistry. Take care of your health and book your root canal treatment online or over the phone today.

Root Canal Treatment Q &A

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure Smile Perfector Dental Group uses to save teeth with pulp that has been heavily damaged by infection or trauma. 

Pulp is a soft substance deep inside the tooth in the pulp chamber. It contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. 


How do you know if you may need root canal treatment?

When you damage your pulp through infection or you expose it through trauma, you typically experience severe symptoms that let you know you may need a root canal. These symptoms include:

  • Inflammation
  • Severe pain when you bite down or chew
  • Sensitivity to heat and cold that lingers after you remove the source
  • Tender or swollen gums
  • Darkening gums
  • Deep decay in your gums
  • Pimples on the gums
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Persistent bad breath

Left unattended, the infection can lead to abscesses and tooth death.


How does root canal treatment work?

Modern root canal treatment is straightforward and nearly painless. It involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the area, and sealing it with a filling. 

Before performing root canal treatment, Dr. Shouhed numbs the area with local anesthesia. If you’re anxious about your procedure, talk to the practice about sedation dentistry. 

To access the source of your pain, Dr. Shouhed begins by making a tiny hole in your tooth enamel that goes all the way to the root canal. Through this tiny hole, he reaches into your tooth and cleans out all of the infected and inflamed pulp, as well as any debris or decay.

Next, your team thoroughly cleans the pulp chamber and root canal to make sure that the infection won’t return. 

Once your pulp chamber is clean, Dr. Shouhed dries your tooth and seals it with rubber-based material called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha protects your exposed tooth nerves and prevents reinfection. Dr. Shouhed completes your tooth restoration with a filling or by placing a dental crown over it.

When you go home after your root canal treatment, you may experience localized soreness for a few days. To manage your discomfort, you may take over-the-counter pain medication.

Don’t let antiquated scary stories about root canals keep you from getting the care you need. If you suspect you need a root canal, schedule a visit with Smile Perfector Dental Group. 

Equipped with experience and the latest technology, Dr. Shouhed and his team can save your tooth and provide you with almost instantaneous pain relief. To book your appointment, call the office or use the online booking tool today.