American's Top Dentist
  • 25 years practice and teaching experience
  • Fellow of International Academy of Oral Implantology
  • Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry
  • Certified in IV sedation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support

    • Root Canal Therapy

    Cosmetic Dentistry
    Gummy Smile     Cosmetic Dentistry
    Discolored Teeth     Cosmetic Dentistry
    Worn/Irregular Teeth     Cosmetic and
    Reconstructive Dentistry
    Missing Teeth     Preventative Dentistry
    Grinding and Clenching     Preventative Dentistry
    Cavity & Gum Disease
    Complimentary Consultation

    Call (310) 273-9919 for an appointment or fill out the form below to receive more information from the Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentistry.

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    At some point in our lives, most people will need the dreaded root canal. This procedure refers to removing the pulp at the center of the tooth and the tooth’s root. This pulp is necessary while the tooth is forming, but becomes superfluous once the tooth has matured. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged in any way, a root canal is needed to remove the infected pulp and to save the remaining tooth and root.

    Pulp normally becomes infected due to an untreated cavity. The bacteria that cause the cavity is allowed to spread, and eventually spread to the pulp. If the bacteria are left to fester, the tooth can eventually be lost, as infections that are inside the tooth cannot be treated with antibiotics due to lack of blood supply to the area.

    Symptoms that may mean you need a root canal include pain, increased pain when you bite down on push on the tooth, sensitivity to cold that lasts longer than usual, sensitive to heat, discolored tooth, broken tooth, or swelling around the tooth. If you have any of these symptoms, Dr. Zadeh will take x-rays of your mouth, as well as feeling around the tooth manually, with the use of warm and cold substances to test the tooth’s sensitivity. If he is still unsure about whether you need a root canal, Dr. Zadeh may use an electric pulp tester to shock the pulp to see if it is alive. This does not hurt, but causes a tingling sensation instead. This process cannot be used if you have a cardiac pacemaker or an electronic life-support device, so make sure you disclose any and all relevant information to Dr. Zadeh before undergoing any form of treatment or evaluation.

    A mild infection may need only one visit to complete the root canal, but teeth that are awkwardly placed, or in the case where the infection has spread to the tooth, may require several visits to make sure the infection is completely gone. After the root canal is complete, a crown or filling will be used to repair your tooth. During the entire process your mouth will be numbed, or you may be sedated if the process is predicted to be more extensive. As with any treatment that Dr. Zadeh offers, sedation dentistry and other relaxation and anxiety-relieving options are available for the nervous patient.

    After the process is complete, your tooth will be sore for several days, but this is normal and will dissipate within a week. Dr. Zadeh will inform you if you should take over-the-counter pain relievers, or will prescribe you with something stronger if he sees the need for it.

    If you think you may need a root canal, or have a cavity that has not yet been treated, please call for a consultation today. Dr. Zadeh and his staff will be happy to discuss fillings and root canals with you.