Root Canal Therapy in Los Angeles and Downey, CA
Relieve Tooth Pain and Protect Your Smile
A persistent toothache can indicate an infection inside the tooth. Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed tissue, relieves pressure and helps preserve the natural tooth.
Dr. Won Jung Jeong and Dr. Debora Jeong provide root canal therapy at Mission Dental Group in Los Angeles and Downey, CA. Contact our team if you have severe tooth pain, swelling or sensitivity that does not improve.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside each tooth is a space containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue known as dental pulp. Deep decay, cracks, trauma or repeated dental treatment can allow the pulp to become inflamed or infected.
During root canal therapy, the damaged tissue is removed. The inside of the tooth is then cleaned, shaped and sealed to help prevent reinfection. A filling or dental crown is generally used to restore and protect the treated tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Symptoms of an infected or damaged tooth may include:
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Swelling or tenderness near the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Tooth discoloration
- A cracked, chipped or deeply decayed tooth
Some infected teeth cause few noticeable symptoms. A dental examination and imaging are necessary to determine whether root canal therapy is appropriate.
Experienced Root Canal Care
Dr. Won Jung Jeong has practiced dentistry since 1993 and has completed approximately 5,000 root canal procedures. His extensive restorative and endodontic experience helps him evaluate damaged teeth and determine when they can be preserved.
Dr. Debora Jeong has practiced since 2023 and has completed approximately 400 root canal procedures. Both dentists provide root canal therapy and restorative care at Mission Dental Group.
Benefits of Saving Your Natural Tooth
When appropriate, root canal therapy may:
- Relieve pain caused by inflamed or infected pulp
- Preserve the natural tooth
- Prevent an infection from worsening
- Restore normal chewing function
- Help maintain the alignment of neighboring teeth
- Reduce the need to replace an extracted tooth
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Examination and Diagnosis
Your dentist examines the tooth, discusses your symptoms and reviews dental imaging. Cone beam computed tomography may be used when a detailed three-dimensional view is needed.
Removing the Infected Tissue
The treatment area is numbed, and a small opening is made in the tooth. The infected or inflamed pulp is removed from the inner chamber and root canals.
Cleaning and Sealing the Tooth
The canals are carefully cleaned, shaped and filled with a dental material designed to seal the internal space.
Restoring the Tooth
A filling or crown is used to rebuild and protect the tooth. Teeth that absorb significant biting pressure commonly need a crown after root canal therapy. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate restoration.
Technology-Guided Evaluation and Care
Mission Dental Group uses cone beam computed tomography, digital impressions and intraoral scanning to support diagnosis and treatment planning. When indicated, detailed imaging can help our dentists evaluate the tooth’s roots, surrounding bone and nearby structures.
AI-assisted visualization may also help patients better understand their condition and recommended treatment.
Root Canal Treatment for Cracked Teeth
A crack can allow bacteria to reach the pulp inside a tooth. Root canal therapy may help preserve the tooth when the crack has affected the pulp but the tooth remains restorable.
Teeth with cracks extending too far below the gumline may not be treatable. Our dentists will evaluate the tooth and explain whether root canal therapy, restorative treatment or extraction should be considered. Learn more about cracked teeth treatment.
When Additional Endodontic Treatment Is Needed
Most teeth heal after root canal therapy, but an infection can occasionally persist or return. An apicoectomy may be considered when inflammation remains near the tip of a previously treated tooth’s root.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Request an Evaluation for Tooth Pain
Do not ignore persistent tooth pain, swelling or sensitivity. Contact Mission Dental Group for an evaluation and personalized treatment recommendation at our Los Angeles or Downey office.
Los Angeles Office
936 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
213-380-1996
Downey Office
9434 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
562-803-9999