Gentle Root Canal Treatment in Carmel Mountain
Save your natural tooth with expert root canal therapy from Dr. Irene Olaes. Modern techniques ensure comfortable treatment and successful outcomes.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, is a procedure that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside your tooth. Despite common misconceptions, modern root canal treatment is typically comfortable and highly successful at saving your natural tooth.
Dr. Olaes uses advanced techniques and local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. With over 25 years of experience, she has successfully performed thousands of root canal treatments for patients in Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo, and throughout San Diego.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Modern root canal therapy offers numerous advantages for preserving your oral health
Preserve your original tooth structure and avoid the need for extraction and replacement.
Remove infected tissue that causes severe toothache and restore comfort to your mouth.
Stop bacterial infection from spreading to surrounding teeth and tissues.
Most patients return to normal activities within 24-48 hours with minimal discomfort.
More affordable than tooth extraction followed by implant or bridge replacement.
Return full chewing ability and normal bite function to the treated tooth.
Keep your natural tooth root to preserve jawbone and facial support.
Over 95% success rate with proper aftercare, lasting many years or a lifetime.
Modern anesthesia and techniques make the procedure as comfortable as a filling.
Crown placement after treatment restores natural appearance and strength.
The Root Canal Process: What to Expect
Dr. Olaes follows a careful, gentle approach to ensure your comfort and successful treatment
Initial Examination
Digital X-rays and clinical examination to diagnose the extent of infection and plan treatment.
Anesthesia & Access
Local anesthesia ensures comfort while creating a small access hole in the tooth crown.
Cleaning & Shaping
Infected pulp is removed and root canals are carefully cleaned and shaped with precision instruments.
Filling & Sealing
Root canals are filled with biocompatible material and sealed to prevent future infection.
Final Restoration
A crown is typically placed 2-3 weeks later to restore full strength and protect the tooth.
Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Several signs and conditions indicate you may benefit from root canal therapy
Intense pain when chewing or applying pressure, especially pain that wakes you at night.
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed.
Darkening or graying of the tooth, indicating damage to the internal pulp tissue.
Tender, swollen gums near the affected tooth, sometimes with a pimple-like bump.
Large cavity or crack that has allowed bacteria to reach the tooth's pulp chamber.
Injury to the tooth from sports, accidents, or repeated dental procedures causing pulp damage.
Infection at the tooth root causing facial swelling, fever, or drainage.
Radiographic evidence of infection, bone loss, or damage not visible during clinical exam.
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
Get answers to common questions about root canal therapy
Modern root canal treatment is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a large filling. Dr. Olaes uses effective local anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients experience minimal discomfort afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. The procedure actually relieves the severe pain caused by the infected tooth.
Most root canal treatments can be completed in 1-2 visits, with each appointment lasting 60-90 minutes. Simple cases involving front teeth may take just one visit, while molars with multiple roots might require two appointments. Dr. Olaes will discuss the expected timeline during your consultation based on your specific case.
Root canal treatment has a success rate of over 95% when performed by an experienced dentist like Dr. Olaes. With proper aftercare and crown placement, most root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime. Success depends on factors like the extent of infection, tooth structure remaining, and following post-treatment care instructions.
In most cases, yes. Root canal treatment removes the tooth's pulp, making it more brittle. A crown protects the tooth from fracture and restores its full strength and appearance. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with just a filling if there's sufficient tooth structure remaining. Dr. Olaes will recommend the best restoration for your situation.
The main alternative is tooth extraction followed by replacement with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. However, saving your natural tooth through root canal treatment is usually the best option when possible. It's more cost-effective and preserves your natural bite and jawbone structure.
Root canal treatment costs vary depending on which tooth is affected and the complexity of the case. Front teeth typically cost less than molars due to fewer roots. The procedure is often covered by dental insurance. Dr. Olaes's office provides detailed cost estimates and works with most insurance plans to maximize your benefits.
Some mild discomfort is normal for 2-3 days after treatment, typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your permanent restoration is placed. Most patients return to work the next day. Dr. Olaes provides detailed aftercare instructions and is available for any concerns during recovery.
Patient Success Stories
Real experiences from our Carmel Mountain patients
"I was terrified of getting a root canal, but Dr. Olaes made the experience so comfortable. I barely felt anything during the procedure, and the pain I'd been suffering with for weeks was completely gone afterward. She explained everything clearly and her gentle approach really put me at ease."
Sarah M.
Rancho Bernardo Patient
"Dr. Olaes saved my tooth with expert root canal treatment. The whole process was much easier than I expected. Her staff was incredibly caring, and the office uses the latest technology. Two years later, my tooth feels completely normal. I'm so grateful I didn't have to get an implant!"
Michael T.
Carmel Mountain Patient
Related Services
Complete dental care solutions at Carmel Mountain Dentist
Save Your CircleDot with Expert Root Canal Treatment
Don't let tooth pain control your life. Dr. Olaes provides gentle, effective root canal therapy to eliminate infection and preserve your natural smile.
Serving patients in Carmel Mountain, Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, Poway, and throughout San Diego