+1 805-374-8484   |   509 Marin Street, Suite 220, Thousand Oaks CA 91360  |  Mon - Fri: 8 am–5 pm, Sat: 8 am- 3 pm                                                                                                                                                     

Root Canal Treatment in Thousand Oaks

That intense, persistent toothache you’re feeling is more than just a minor nuisance; it often signals an infection deep inside your tooth. At our Thousand Oaks dental practice, we focus on eliminating this infection while preserving your natural tooth and restoring your smile to health and comfort.

Our team combines advanced dental technology with skilled techniques in a calm and welcoming environment to make your root canal treatment as efficient and comfortable as possible.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a specialized dental procedure designed to treat infection or inflammation affecting the pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth. Infection can occur due to injury, extensive decay, or repeated dental work, and if left untreated, it may spread or lead to tooth loss.

During the procedure, we carefully remove the infected pulp, disinfect the tooth’s interior, and seal the canals to prevent future infection. Most often, a custom dental crown is placed afterward to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.

Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

You might require root canal therapy if you experience:

  • Ongoing or intense tooth pain
  • Sharp pain when biting or chewing
  • Sensitivity that lingers with hot or cold foods
  • Swelling around the tooth or face
  • A tooth that darkens or turns gray

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to schedule an exam promptly. Early treatment greatly improves the chances of saving your tooth.

Why Root Canal Treatment Is Important

Root canals are an effective way to remove infection while preserving your natural teeth. Key benefits include:

Pain Relief
Eliminates the source of discomfort quickly and effectively.
Tooth Preservation
Saves your natural tooth, maintaining proper bite and jaw alignment.
Stops Infection
Prevents bacteria from spreading to surrounding tissues or other teeth.
Restores Function & Appearance
A crown placed afterward strengthens and restores the tooth’s natural look.

What to Expect During Your Root Canal Procedure

We aim to make your treatment smooth and stress-free. Here’s the typical process:

  1. Comprehensive Exam and Imaging
    We start by examining your tooth and taking digital X-rays to assess the infection and plan treatment.

  2. Local Anesthesia
    We numb the area to ensure you feel no pain and use a dental dam to keep the tooth dry throughout the procedure.

  3. Removal of Infected Pulp
    A small opening is made in the tooth to carefully remove all infected or dead tissue inside.

  4. Cleaning and Shaping Canals
    The canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped to eliminate bacteria and prepare for filling.

  5. Filling and Sealing
    We fill the cleaned canals with a biocompatible material to seal them and prevent reinfection.

  6. Crown Placement
    Typically, a custom-made crown is placed during a follow-up visit to protect and restore the tooth’s structure and appearance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is recovery like after root canal therapy?
Recovery is usually quick and straightforward. Stick to soft foods for several days and avoid chewing on the treated side until your crown is placed. Follow all medication instructions if prescribed.
How long does the procedure take?
Treatment time varies, single-root teeth often take about 45–60 minutes, while molars with multiple canals can require up to two hours.
How many visits will I need?
Most treatments are completed within one to three visits depending on the tooth’s complexity and infection severity. Some cases can be resolved in a single appointment.
banner-image