Endodontics in Woodland Hills, CA

Root Canal and Tooth Nerve Pain
Endodontic treatment and tooth nerve pain in Woodland Hills, CA

A root canal is a procedure used to treat the inside of a tooth when the pulp (nerve and blood supply) has become inflamed or infected. This can occur due to deep decay, cracks, repeated dental work, or trauma. Symptoms may include spontaneous or lingering pain, swelling, tenderness when chewing, or sensitivity that does not go away after the stimulus is removed.

The purpose of a root canal is to remove the diseased tissue, disinfect the space, and seal it so the tooth can remain in the mouth and continue to function. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain chewing efficiency, prevents neighboring teeth from drifting, and helps preserve bone.

What happens during a root canal

The tooth is numbed and isolated.
A small opening is made to access the pulp chamber.
The infected or dead tissue is removed from the canals inside the roots.
The canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
A biocompatible filling material is placed in the canals to seal them.
The opening is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.

After a root canal, many teeth require a crown to protect them from fracture, especially back teeth that absorb heavy chewing forces.

Root canal therapy has a high success rate and, with modern techniques, is typically not more uncomfortable than receiving a filling, aside from potential soreness afterward as the tissues heal. If a tooth is not treatable with a root canal, we will explain why extraction and replacement may be a better option in that situation.