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Root Canal

Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry

Ryan J. Fait, DDS

General & Cosmetic Dentist located in Long Beach, CA & Avalon, CA

Adults in need of more invasive dental procedures, like root canals, feel assured with Dr. Ryan Fait of Southern California General & Cosmetic Dentistry and his 20 years of experience performing all types of dental treatments. Dr. Fait’s friendly demeanor and meticulous attention to detail puts patients of all ages at ease in his Long Beach and Avalon, California dental practices. Regular dental visits allow Dr. Fait and his experienced team to be alerted to any potential need for root canals and treat them before they become infected and extremely painful. Contact the office for an appointment, or schedule your consultation online.

Root Canal Q & A

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that saves a tooth from complete decay and restores it to its full function. When a tooth will otherwise die and require removal as a result of infection, a root canal is the best way to save the tooth, while keeping the adjacent ones healthy. The procedure sometimes requires more than one appointment so Dr. Fait can remove the living tissue from inside the tooth and fill it with medicated dental materials.

What are the symptoms for possible root canal therapy?

Although some women and men do not experience symptoms, it is common to feel something abnormal if you have a decaying tooth as a result of an injury or trauma to the tooth. Symptoms include:

  • An abscess on your gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages
  • Severe toothache
  • Swelling and tenderness around the tooth

Is the procedure painful?

Many times, a root canal relieves you of pain caused by a toothache or abscess in your mouth. Dr. Fait and his experienced dental clinicians take great care to make sure you’re comfortable during the procedure. He may use anesthetics to numb the area and minimize any potentially painful sensations while he cleans and restores your tooth.

After the procedure, the tooth and surrounding area may be sensitive, especially if you had an infection in the tooth. Any discomfort subsides as inflammation decreases and your tooth heals. Dr. Fait provides you with complete care instructions after each appointment to help with recovery.

Once you’ve healed from the root canal procedures, Dr. Fait recommends getting a crown installed over the tooth to prevent it from breaking in the future and to restore it to its full function for chewing. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, the restored tooth can last as long as your natural teeth.

Dr. Fait’s continuing education in the latest dental procedures and technologies assures patients of all ages that he and his team are experts on root canals and other restorative dental treatments.