Book Your Appointment
Top Rated Gentle Emergency Dentist
Root Canal Treatment In North Hollywood
At Toluca Lake Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Shahrad Shawn Shahrooz is dedicated to providing gentle, effective root canal therapy in North Hollywood. Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or have been advised to undergo a root canal, our expert team ensures a comfortable and stress-free experience.
We understand that tooth pain can be overwhelming, but delaying treatment can lead to more serious complications. That’s why our top priority is to save your natural teeth and restore your smile with advanced techniques and personalized care. With a focus on patient comfort, we make the process as seamless as possible, so you can get back to enjoying life pain-free.
Trust Toluca Lake Advanced Dentistry for top-quality root canal treatment that prioritizes your dental health and overall well-being. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, healthy smile.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a specialized dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is badly infected or decayed. During the treatment, the infected nerve and pulp inside the tooth is removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. This procedure not only alleviates pain but also preserves your natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction. Root canal therapy is essential for preventing further dental complications and ensuring long-term oral health.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A ROOT CANAL?
You might need a root canal if you experience:
• Persistent tooth pain that doesn’t go away, especially pain that worsens when chewing or applying pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers long after eating or drinking
• A cracked or chipped tooth that exposes the inner tooth structure
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a specific tooth, sometimes with a small pimple or bump
• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth, which may indicate nerve damage
• Pain that radiates to the jaw, ear, or surrounding teeth
• A bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath caused by infection inside the tooth
In some cases, a tooth may need root canal treatment even if pain is mild or comes and goes. That’s why routine dental exams and digital X-rays are important. At Toluca Advanced Dentistry, we use advanced imaging and thorough evaluations to detect infection early and determine whether root canal treatment is needed to save your natural tooth and relieve discomfort.
HOW CAN I PREVENT THE NEED FOR A ROOT CANAL?
Preventing the need for a root canal starts with good daily oral care and early treatment. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily help prevent cavities from reaching the inner nerve of the tooth.
Regular dental exams and digital X-rays allow us to catch decay, cracks, and infections early, often before you feel pain. Treating issues promptly can help avoid more extensive procedures later.
Protecting your teeth also matters. Avoid chewing on ice or hard objects, limit acidic foods and drinks, and wear a mouthguard during sports or if you grind your teeth. If you notice tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, seeing a dentist right away can help save your natural tooth and reduce the risk of needing root canal treatment.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET A ROOT CANAL RIGHT AWAY?
Prevents infection from spreading: When the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected, the infection can spread to surrounding tissue and bone if left untreated. Root canal treatment removes the infection at its source and helps prevent more serious dental and health complications.
Relieves pain and pressure: An infected tooth can cause intense pain, sensitivity, or swelling. Root canal treatment removes the inflamed nerve tissue, relieving discomfort and allowing the area to heal.
Saves your natural tooth: Your natural tooth is always the best option. A root canal preserves the structure of the tooth while eliminating infection, helping you avoid extraction and more complex tooth replacement procedures.
Saves time and money: Treating infection early with a root canal can prevent the need for tooth extraction, implants, or bridges. Root canal treatment is often completed in one to two visits and helps avoid longer, more costly treatments later on.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TOOTH AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Caring for your tooth after root canal treatment is simple and helps ensure proper healing. We provide clear aftercare instructions, including what foods to eat and what to avoid while the area settles. Most patients are advised to take Tylenol for post treatment discomfort, and in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed depending on the severity of the infection. It’s important to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored and to continue brushing and flossing as usual. We also schedule a 1 to 2 week post operation check to make sure the healing process is going well. If you experience ongoing pain, swelling, or anything that doesn’t feel right, our team is here to help.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY ROOT CANAL APPOINTMENT?
Our root canal treatment is typically a smooth, comfortable, and well guided process performed by our in-house endodontist.
Getting comfortable: We begin by fully numbing the area so you feel relaxed before treatment starts. Dr. Kafri takes time to explain each step, which patients consistently say helps them feel calm and confident going into the procedure.
Removing infection: Dr. Kafri carefully removes the infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth, eliminating pain and stopping the infection at its source. Patients frequently mention how gentle and efficient this part of the process feels.
Cleaning, sealing, and buildup: Once the infection is removed, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and sealed. In most cases, we place a buildup the same day to restore strength and protect the tooth while it heals and prepares for a final crown if needed.
Root canal treatment typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, and rarely more than an hour and a half depending on the tooth and severity of the infection. Patients are often surprised by how fast and easy the process feels, and we almost never hear of complications after treatment. Dr. Kafri is consistently praised for being knowledgeable, informative, and incredibly smooth in his approach, allowing most patients to return to their normal routine the same day.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DELAY TREATMENT
If left untreated, the tissue surrounding the tooth can become infected, leading to abscesses and potentially requiring the tooth to be extracted. Once a tooth is lost, an implant may be necessary to maintain a healthy mouth, which can be significantly more costly than a root canal if action is taken early on. Additionally, research has shown that untreated dental infections can contribute to serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and other significant conditions.
Your Root Canal Process With Us
Take Advantage of Our $50 Exam Offer
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or think you might need a painless root canal in North Hollywood or Toluca Lake, now is the perfect time to get checked. We’re offering a comprehensive dental exam for just $50—and the best part is, that $50 goes directly toward any treatment you book, including an emergency root canal.
This offer gives you:
→A thorough evaluation by one of our experienced dentists
→A personalized treatment plan so you know exactly what to expect
Whether you need a same-day appointment with an emergency dentist in North Hollywood or you’ve been putting off care because you were worried about cost, our $50 exam makes it easier to take the first step toward relief.
Questions Answered On This Page
REal Patient Success Stories
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a root canal usually cost?
The cost of a root canal depends on which tooth is being treated and how complex the infection is. Front teeth are usually simpler than molars. If you have dental insurance, your plan may cover part of the treatment. We always verify benefits ahead of time and review costs with you before starting, so there are no surprises.
Q: What happens if I delay getting a root canal?
Delaying a root canal can turn a treatable problem into a much more costly one. If the infection worsens, the tooth may need to be removed, leaving you with a missing tooth. Missing teeth can cause nearby teeth to shift and affect your bite, which is why replacement is usually recommended. In many cases, this leads to dental implants and sometimes bone grafting, both of which are more complex and expensive than treating the tooth early. Addressing the issue sooner helps save your natural tooth and avoid unnecessary procedures.
Q: Will my dental insurance cover my root canal treatment?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canal treatment since it is considered medically necessary. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans and do not accept HMO, Denti-Cal, or Medicare dental plans. Our team verifies your insurance coverage before your appointment and reviews everything with you ahead of time, so there are no surprises when it comes to cost.
Q: Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Yes. After a root canal, the tooth no longer has a living nerve, which can make it more brittle and prone to cracking or breaking over time. A crown helps protect the tooth, restores its strength, and allows you to chew normally without putting the tooth at risk. Placing a crown also helps seal the tooth from bacteria and supports the long-term success of the root canal treatment.
Q: Is it better to get a root canal or just pull the tooth?
When possible, saving your natural tooth is almost always the best option. A root canal allows you to keep your tooth and avoid more complex treatments like implants or bridges.
Q: Who performs root canal treatment at your office?
Root canal treatment at Toluca Advanced Dentistry is performed by our in-house endodontic specialist, Dr. Rayan Kafri. Patients consistently mention how smooth, fast, and comfortable the process feels, and appreciate how clearly he explains each step of treatment.