Root Canal Treatment in Santa Monica

Nobody looks forward to hearing they need a root canal, but if you're suffering from a toothache in Santa Monica, this treatment might be the best way to relieve your pain and save your tooth. At Clove Dental, we specialize in gentle, effective root canal therapy that’s far less intimidating than you might expect.

Thanks to modern techniques, a root canal today is more comfortable and predictable than ever before. Many of our patients feel significant relief shortly after their procedure, and they’re able to keep their natural teeth instead of facing extraction.

Understanding Root Canal Therapy

A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure that removes diseased or damaged tissue from within the tooth. Deep within each tooth is the pulp, which includes nerves and blood vessels. If germs enter this region, generally because of decay, injury, or a fractured tooth, it can cause significant pain and illness.

 During the surgery, your dentist will remove the diseased pulp, sanitize the inside of the tooth, and seal it to avoid further complications. Most patients will need a crown to restore the tooth's function and strength.

 The treatment usually takes one or two sessions and, when paired with appropriate dental hygiene, produces long-term effects.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to schedule a dental exam:

  • Persistent or intense tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Swollen or tender gums near a specific tooth
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums that may drain pus
  • A tooth that has darkened in color
  • A foul taste or odor in the mouth that doesn’t go away

Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

Understanding the warning signs of a potential tooth infection is critical.   The following typical indicators indicate the requirement of a root canal:

Preserves Your Natural Tooth
Rather than extracting the tooth and replacing it with a prosthetic, a root canal allows you to retain your natural bite and appearance.
Relieves Discomfort Quickly
By removing the infected tissue, we eliminate the source of pain. Many patients feel much better right after treatment.
Prevents the Spread of Infection
Treating the issue early stops the infection from reaching neighboring teeth, your jawbone, or even other parts of your body.
Restores Normal Chewing Function
Once restored with a crown, the tooth works just like the others, so you can eat, speak, and smile with confidence.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

  1. Evaluation and Imaging
    We begin with a thorough examination, including digital X-rays, to identify the extent of the damage.
  2. Numbing the Area
    Before we begin, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the area completely; you’ll feel pressure, but no pain.
  3. Access and Removal
    A small opening is made in the tooth, allowing us to carefully remove the inflamed or infected pulp.
  4. Cleaning the Canals
    We clean, shape, and disinfect the canals using advanced tools and solutions to ensure all bacteria are removed.
  5. Sealing the Tooth
    Once the area is clean, we fill the canals with a biocompatible material and seal the opening.
  6. Final Restoration
    A custom dental crown is often placed over the tooth to protect it and restore full function.
  7. Recovery and Aftercare
    Minor soreness for a few days is normal, but most people return to their regular routine within 24–48 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of a root canal?
While more complicated cases may require two or three visits, simple root canals may just require one. Before starting treatment, your dentist will go over your timeframe.
Will the surgery cause me any pain?

No. Nowadays, root canal therapy is usually no more unpleasant than receiving a dental filling because of local anesthetics and sophisticated methods.

Does it always require a crown afterwards?
Generally speaking, yes. A crown strengthens the tooth that has been treated, preventing potential breaking or other damage.
What happens if I decide against getting a root canal?
If the infection is not treated, it may progress and result in abscesses, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss. In extreme circumstances, it may potentially result in systemic health issues.
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