Restorative Dentistry

Non-Surgical Root Canals in Del Mar, CA

A root canal is a simple treatment that saves a tooth when its pulp has become infected. The pulp is at the center of your tooth and is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Various symptoms of the infection may include visible injury or swelling of the tooth and sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth or gums.

If you experience any of these symptoms, we will likely recommend non-surgical treatment to address the diseased pulp. The procedure begins by removing the damaged pulp, followed by thoroughly cleaning and sealing the root canal system. Depending on the severity of the condition, this therapy may be completed in one or more visits, with a success rate of around 90%.

To ensure your comfort, we use local anesthesia, and nitrous oxide analgesia is available if needed. Most patients can drive home after treatment and resume their normal activities without delay. If your tooth is not suitable for endodontic treatment or the chances of success are low, we will inform you during the consultation or if a complication arises during or after the procedure.

After your root canal therapy is completed, we maintain a record of your treatment and schedule a follow-up appointment to place the final restoration within a few weeks. Complications following routine endodontic treatment or microsurgery are uncommon, but if any issues arise, we are available to assess your tooth and take appropriate action. To prevent further decay, it is important to continue practicing good dental hygiene.

The cost of this procedure can vary based on factors like the extent of damage to the affected tooth and the specific tooth involved. Generally, endodontic treatment is significantly more affordable than extracting a tooth and replacing it with an artificial one.