Root Canal Treatment in Long Beach, CA: Stop the Pain and Save Your Tooth
Hearing you need a root canal can be worrying, but here’s the good news: with modern techniques and good numbing, most patients say it feels much like getting a filling. It’s often the best way to stop the pain and keep your natural tooth.
At Salem Dentistry, Dr. Roxana Salem, DDS, performs gentle, careful root canal treatment right here in our Long Beach office. If you’re in pain, don’t wait. Same-day appointments are often available.
Call 562-435-8339 or book online
Why patients choose Salem Dentistry for a root canal
- One dentist from start to finish. You see Dr. Salem at every visit, from the first X-ray to the final crown.
- Root canal and crown in the same office, with no referral to a second practice.
- Same-day appointments are often available for tooth pain.
- Comfort comes first. We numb the tooth completely before we begin, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available if you’re anxious.
- Strong, natural-looking crowns made of zirconia or E.max.
- Advanced training. Dr. Salem completed the Comprehensive Esthetic & Restorative Residency at the Esthetic Professionals Dental Educational Center (2016–17).
- All PPO plans and Medi-Cal Dental accepted.
- Care in three languages: English, German, and Farsi.
Signs you may have an infected tooth
- Severe or lingering toothache
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Strong sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away
- Swollen or tender gums
- A small bump, like a pimple, on the gum
- Darkening of the tooth
- A bad taste or bad breath that won’t go away
- Aching in the jaw
If you notice any of these, call us. The sooner we treat it, the easier it is to save the tooth.
Why might I need a root canal?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. When the pulp becomes infected or badly inflamed, it can cause serious pain. Most infections start with a deep cavity that wasn’t treated in time, or with a crack, chip, or injury to the tooth.
Once bacteria reach the pulp, the infection won’t heal on its own. Without treatment, it can spread and lead to an abscess or other health problems. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it, so you keep your tooth instead of losing it.
What to expect during your root canal
- X-rays. Dr. Salem takes X-rays to see the full extent of the problem.
- Numbing. She numbs the area completely so you stay comfortable.
- Cleaning. A small protective sheet keeps the tooth clean and dry. Dr. Salem makes a small opening, gently removes the infected tissue, and cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth.
- Sealing. The tooth is filled and sealed.
- Crown. In most cases, a crown is placed afterward to protect the tooth and restore its strength, so it can last for many years.
Most root canals are finished in one or two visits.
After your root canal
Your tooth may feel a little sore for a few days. This is normal, and over-the-counter pain relievers usually help. Avoid chewing hard foods on that side until your crown is placed. Call us if you have swelling or pain that gets worse instead of better.
Once your crown is in place, care for the tooth like any other: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular exams.
Questions patients ask
Does a root canal hurt?
With the tooth fully numbed, most patients say it feels much like getting a filling. The infection is what hurts, and the root canal is what ends that pain.
How many visits does it take?
Usually one or two, depending on the tooth and the infection. The crown is placed at a follow-up visit.
Is it better to pull the tooth instead?
Saving your natural tooth is usually the better choice. A missing tooth can cause the neighboring teeth to shift and often needs to be replaced with an implant or bridge, which means more treatment and more cost. If a tooth truly can’t be saved, Dr. Salem also performs extractions and will explain your replacement options.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes. A tooth that has had a root canal is more fragile, and a crown protects it from cracking.
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
With a crown and good care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last for many years, often a lifetime.
Can I be seen today?
Often, yes. Call 562-435-8339 as early in the day as you can and we’ll do our best to see you the same day.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept all PPO dental plans and Medi-Cal Dental. We do not accept HMO plans. Call us and we’ll check your benefits for you.
When is a toothache an emergency?
If you have swelling in your face or jaw along with a fever, or any trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Save your tooth and stop the pain
A toothache is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Call Salem Dentistry at 562-435-8339 or book online today, and let Dr. Salem get you comfortable again.