Root Canal Therapy in Oakdale, CA
You may have heard of root canals and think it is a scary and painful experience. In truth, they are fairly routine procedures that are usually used to relieve pain. Root canals can be painless using local anesthetics, just like for a filling. Blackhart Dentistry offers root canal therapy in Oakdale, CA, and here’s everything you need to know about this tooth infection treatment.
Why is a Root Canal Needed?
When the pulp (nerve) of the tooth is infected or injured in some way, it will require removal of the pulp to relieve any symptoms and heal the infection. Usually, a root canal is needed when:
- A cavity becomes large enough for bacteria to enter the dental pulp and cause bacterial infection
- A crack in the tooth reaches to the pulp, but is not extensive enough to cause root fracture.
- The previous filling was deep and close to the pulp. Sometimes the pulp takes time to react to this type of injury.
- A traumatic event, such as being hit in the face, could be enough to injure the pulp. It may be immediate, or it may take years to become symptomatic, even if the tooth seems fine.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) involves removing the nerve and other tissues (called pulp) located in the center of the tooth and its root(s). The following illustration will help to explain the procedure:
- The first tooth represents a normal healthy tooth.
- A small cavity is developing through the top of the tooth, where cavities typically begin. This cavity is probably not painful at all, and will go unnoticed unless a routine dental exam is performed.
- The cavity has extended deeper into the tooth and has reached the pulp. It has caused inflammation in the pulp and is probably sensitive to cold and hot foods/drinks at this point.
- If left untreated, the inflammation in the pulp turns to infection, and the pulp is now dead. This tooth is not sensitive to cold any longer, but it may still be sensitive to heat and will hurt biting, chewing, and touching the tooth due to the infection at the root tip. Cold drinks now might actually relieve some of the pain.
- The infection has increased in size and has become an abscess. Sometimes this infection will create a swelling in your gums or cheek around the tooth, or it may drain out the side of the tooth and you can see a bump on your gums that oozes pus if you press it. Other times it may drain into the sinus or other spaces and go unnoticed. Usually this stage will be very sensitive to chewing and pressure on the tooth.
- To treat the tooth, we open the tooth from the chewing surface to expose the pulp. We would remove all the decay as well.
- The pulp is removed and the root canal is cleaned and shaped to disinfect the tooth and prepare it for a filling material. Depending on the tooth, there may be 1 canal to 4 canals. In rare instances there are even more than 4 canals in some molars.
- Each canal is then sealed and filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha, and the access opening is filled in with a build-up material.
- Following root canal treatment, the tooth will need a final restoration, usually a crown. It is essential to return promptly to have treatment completed because a temporary seal is designed to last only a short time. Failing to return as directed to have the tooth restored permanently could lead to the deterioration of the seal, resulting in decay, infection, and/or fracture that could lead to treatment failure or loss of the tooth. The infection should begin to decrease as the source of the infection is removed.
- After some time, the infection should be completely gone and the tooth should feel healthy again.
Alternative Treatment
Other treatment options include doing nothing or extracting the tooth. If nothing is done, the infection will increase and could become more painful, and could cause problems for the neighboring teeth and surrounding bone. Extracting the tooth is an option; however, it will leave you with an empty space that you may or may not want to restore. These options should be discussed with your doctor.
Cost of the Procedure
This is an important discussion to have with your doctor or the financial consulting staff. It really depends on which tooth needs treatment. A back tooth typically needs a crown afterward due to a high risk of fracture after a root canal, however a front tooth can sometimes be restored with a filling. A root canal alone may cost around $800 to $1500, and if it requires a build-up and crown the total cost may be closer to $2500-$3500.
This all depends on your individual tooth, the extent of the problem, your dental insurance plan, if you have one, and will certainly vary depending on the dental office that performs the procedure. A tooth extraction would be a cheaper option; however if you want to replace the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture, the cost can be similar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals in Oakdale, CA
How long does it take to recover after a root canal?
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days, with lingering soreness resolving in less than a week. Internal healing continues for a few weeks longer, though this doesn’t affect daily activities. If pain lasts beyond a week, contact your dentist.
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed, since the temporary filling is fragile. Stick to soft foods for a few days, and keep brushing and flossing gently around the area to support healing.
Can I eat or drink right after a root canal?
Wait until the numbness fully wears off — typically 2 to 4 hours — before eating, to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies for the first few days, and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed.
Hard or sticky foods can dislodge the temporary filling or crack the weakened tooth. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth in the meantime.
Is a root canal or tooth extraction better for a damaged tooth?
A root canal is usually the better option when enough healthy tooth structure remains, since it saves your natural tooth and typically costs less in the long run than extraction and a replacement (implant, bridge, or denture). Extraction may be necessary only if the tooth is too damaged to save. Your dentist can evaluate which applies to your tooth.
Extraction leaves a gap that can shift neighboring teeth if not replaced, and replacing a tooth with an implant or bridge often costs more than a root canal and crown combined.
Will my dental insurance cover a root canal?
Most dental insurance plans cover root canals as a major service, usually paying 50 to 80 percent of the cost after you meet your deductible. The exact amount depends on your plan, your yearly maximum, and if your dentist is in-network. Check with your insurance provider or our office to find out your benefits.
Front-tooth root canals may sometimes be covered at a higher rate than molars in some plans. Ask our financial team to run a benefits check before treatment to avoid surprises. Blackhart Dentistry accepts most dental plans and can help you file a claim.
Is it safe to get a root canal while pregnant?
Yes — root canal treatment is generally considered safe during pregnancy when needed, and treating an infection promptly is safer than delaying it. The second trimester is often preferred for non-emergency work, but urgent infections can be treated at any stage. Always tell your dentist and OB-GYN that you’re pregnant.
Local anesthesia and shielded dental X-rays are considered safe in pregnancy. Your dentist may adjust which pain medications or antibiotics are used.
What happens if a root canal fails?
Root canal treatment has a high success rate — often cited above 90% — but if reinfection occurs, retreatment can usually save the tooth by reopening, recleaning, and resealing the canal. Signs of failure include returning pain, swelling, or a bump on the gums, sometimes months or years later. See your dentist promptly if symptoms return.
If retreatment does not work, your dentist might suggest a minor surgery called an apicoectomy or, in some cases, removing the tooth. Seeing your dentist for regular checkups and getting your crown placed quickly can lower the risk of problems.
Gentle Care That Relieves Pain and Saves Your Natural Tooth
Tooth loss due to infection or severe damage is something you should avoid at all costs. Blackhart Dentistry can help you with safe and comfortable root canal therapy in Oakdale, CA. Save your infected tooth and restore your healthy smile with our root canal treatment.
We invite you to give us a call at (209) 847-0309 if you believe this dental service will improve your oral health. Our professional dental team will be pleased to schedule your consultation or respond to any inquiries you may have. We look forward to assisting you in reaching your dental health objectives!
What Our Patients Say
On time, efficient, professional and friendly.
So I was telling him about the two incredible experiences at had at this dental office in Oakdale, California...
Guess what, it is sooo worth driving the 80+ miles to get this quality of dental care that tomorrow morning we're gonna do it; journey out to Oakdale from Hayward, because these people here are that good.
Contrast & compare the stark difference experienced in the Bay Area; the continual flack, lack of bedside manners, and generally giving off the air that they do not like their jobs, it's a wonder that NCal Ortho has a customer base at all.
I highly recommend Blackheart, Albertoni & Corso dentistry. Quality care at very reasonable prices.
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Well i went all in on Invisalign. This is my 3rd week wearing them. I always thought Invisalign was just two pieces of plastic that you wore over your teeth for some time.
Now I wonder, "but how would that work?:
Well, it wouldn't.
Come to find, Invisalign is several months or more of plastic moldings that you change every 4 days or so. The first plastic molding is almost identical to what your teeth look like in your mouth at the beginning. The last plastic molding is what your teeth will look like at the end of the treatment.
Currently on set 5 of 33. If all goes according to plan, I should have a nice set of near perfect white teeth by the end of November/ early December.
If you're trying to decide between regular metal braces, or Invisalign, you might wanna consider this:
Pros
Invisalign is
- less expensive
- less invasive (you can take them out, if you so desire)
- they are hardly noticeable (this may be important to your kid(s)
- it seems like it is faster than standard metal braces
- you don't have to keep frequenting your dentist to have your braces tightened.
Cons
If you're middle aged, nothing takes 10 years off your age like a set of goofy metal braces. Add to that an adolescent demeanor, and you just might start getting carded again.
Whatever you choose, just know that the teams at this dentist office are the professional artisans of their craft. I used to really dread going to the dentist.
I dread no more.
I no longer get anxious at the thought of going to the dentist, (this dentist anyway. I suppose if I didn't have these peeps as my dentist, I might get that phobia back).
The people here care about your comfort. They care about your state of mind. They understand that it's difficult for some people to go to the dentat. They've got great bedside manners. They'll put your fears at ease.
Which brings me to my last observation;
I'm not so sure they are taking on new customers at this time. I see the hundreds & hundreds of patient files on the shelves. You will have to call and ask if they have any openings for new customers.