A root canal doesn’t have to be something you fear. At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, we offer comfortable, reliable treatment that helps save your natural tooth and stop pain at the source. If you’re dealing with tooth sensitivity, swelling, or pain that won’t go away, a root canal could be the solution.
Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue inside your tooth, thoroughly cleans the canal, and seals it to prevent reinfection. It’s a simple, highly successful procedure that helps you avoid extractions and costly replacements.
Dr. Mahyar Cohen and the team at Bella Dental are here to make sure your experience is smooth, efficient, and stress-free. With modern technology and gentle care, we make root canal treatment far more comfortable than you might expect—and the results can last a lifetime.
Root canal treatment is a restorative procedure designed to repair and preserve teeth that are badly damaged or infected, offering a crucial alternative to extraction. The term “root canal” itself refers to the natural, hollow space located at the center of your tooth. This space contains the pulp chamber and the root canals, which house the tooth’s delicate nerve tissue and blood vessels.
The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and it stretches from the top of the tooth (the crown) down to the root tips. The pulp is important while your tooth’s is developing, but once it’s fully grown, the tooth can stay healthy without it because nearby tissues keep it nourished.
The root canal system includes:
Your tooth might require root canal treatment for several reasons:
Deep decay: When a cavity is left untreated, bacteria can burrow deep enough to reach and infect the sensitive pulp.
Multiple dental procedures: A tooth that has undergone numerous dental treatments over time may become compromised, leading to inflammation or infection of the pulp.
Cracks or chips: Any crack or chip in the tooth that exposes the pulp can allow harmful bacteria to enter and cause infection.
Facial injuries: Trauma or injury to the face can directly damage a tooth, affecting its internal structures and potentially leading to pulp damage.
Untreated cavities: If cavities are allowed to progress without intervention, they will eventually reach the pulp, leading to infection and pain.
As a bacterial infection in the pulp chamber grows, the multiplying bacteria create pressure, which is often the source of severe pain. If left untreated, this infection can spread beyond the root tips, potentially leading to the formation of an abscess in the surrounding bone.
Choosing root canal treatment to save your natural tooth has big advantages over pulling it out.
Your original tooth lets you bite and chew naturally. It also helps you feel things properly in your mouth. Keeping your natural tooth ensures your smile looks and works just the way it should.
A natural tooth is key for keeping your bite aligned. It stops nearby teeth from shifting out of place or wearing down unevenly over time.
When a tooth is removed, the jawbone in that area can start to shrink. Root canal treatment helps prevent this bone loss by keeping the natural tooth root in place. This root continues to stimulate and maintain healthy bone.
Dental implants and bridges are good for replacing missing teeth, but even the best artificial options aren’t quite the same as your natural tooth. Keeping your original tooth is almost always the better long-term choice.
In most cases, root canal therapy actually costs less over time than pulling a tooth and then getting a dental implant or bridge. It also means fewer appointments and less ongoing treatment compared to those replacement options.
At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, CA, we always try to save your natural teeth when we can. We use precise and comfortable root canal procedures to keep your smile healthy and working well for years.
Recognizing early signs of infection can help you get the right treatment in time. Acting quickly can save your tooth and prevent more serious complications.
Ongoing pain is often the first warning sign. You might notice:
The pain may come and go, but without treatment, it usually returns and worsens.
Infected teeth often cause swollen, tender gums. In more severe cases, the swelling can spread to your face or jaw. Enlarged lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck may also be present.
A tooth with internal damage may turn gray, brown, or black. This happens when blood flow is disrupted, and the pulp starts to break down.
A small bump on your gums, often filled with pus, could be a sign of an abscess. While it may provide temporary relief, the infection persists and requires treatment.
Understanding what to expect can make a root canal feel far less overwhelming. At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, CA, we follow a thorough, proven process designed to protect your tooth and keep you comfortable.
Your visit begins with a full exam and digital X-rays. These images help us evaluate the root canal system and spot any hidden decay, infection, or abscesses. Bella Dental uses low-radiation digital X-ray technology for safer, clearer diagnostics that guide your treatment plan with precision.
We numb the area completely with local anesthesia to keep you pain-free throughout the procedure. Then we place a dental dam around the tooth to keep the area dry and sterile while we work, helping prevent contamination and ensuring your safety.
We create a small opening in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. Using delicate tools, we remove all infected pulp and clean out the root canals. Antibacterial rinses eliminate remaining bacteria and reduce the risk of reinfection.
Once cleaned and dried, the canals are filled with gutta-percha—a flexible, biocompatible material—and sealed with dental cement. This helps block future bacteria from entering and strengthens the structure of the treated tooth.
A custom dental crown is usually placed after the root canal to protect the tooth from fractures. At Bella Dental, your crown is designed to match your surrounding teeth for a natural, seamless look that restores full function.
Mild discomfort after a root canal is normal and usually fades within a few days, though some soreness may last up to a week.
You may feel tenderness around the treated tooth and slight jaw soreness from the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Most patients return to their normal routine the next day, though some sensitivity may continue briefly.
Your diet can affect how well and how quickly you heal. Until your final crown is placed and your tooth has fully recovered, it’s important to avoid certain foods and stick to gentle options.
For now, stick to soft, nourishing options like:
Mild soreness is normal after treatment. You can manage it with over-the-counter medications like:
For the first couple of days, use a cold compress on your cheek near the treated area to reduce swelling. After that, switch to a warm compress to relax your jaw muscles if needed.
Good hygiene helps prevent infection and supports healing:
Following these simple steps will help your recovery stay on track.
It’s important to call Bella Dental right away if you notice any of the following:
Diligence with proper aftercare significantly contributes to your comfort and the overall long-term success of your root canal treatment.
Choosing the right dentist makes all the difference when it comes to root canal treatment. At Bella Dental in Port Hueneme, we focus on your health, comfort, and peace of mind every step of the way.
Dr. Mahyar Cohen leads our team with years of experience and a commitment to quality care. He graduated with honors from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC and has been proudly serving the Port Hueneme community since 2016.
At Bella Dental, we take a careful and personalized approach to root canal therapy. Dr. Cohen uses advanced diagnostics to fully understand your condition, then creates a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This ensures you get the right care for the best outcome.
We know root canals can sound stressful, which is why we do everything we can to make your visit as easy as possible.
Dr. Cohen uses advanced techniques to make your treatment as smooth and effective as possible. He’s skilled in handling both routine and more complex root canal cases, always working to preserve the natural look and function of your tooth.
Bella Dental is here to help. We provide root canal treatment in a clean, safe, and supportive environment and are always happy to address your questions or concerns.
Is dental pain bothering you? Are you looking for a way to save your natural tooth and restore your oral health? Contact Bella Dental today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Cohen.
A filling is often enough for shallow cavities, but deeper decay that reaches the tooth’s pulp usually requires a root canal. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, sensitivity, or swelling, a root canal may be necessary. Your Bella Dental dentist will assess the extent of the damage to determine the right treatment.
With proper care, a root canal can last many years and often for life. However, the longevity depends on factors like oral hygiene, regular checkups, and placing a crown after treatment to protect the tooth.
Yes, most patients are fine to drive themselves home after the procedure. We use local anesthesia only, which doesn’t impair your ability to drive. If you’re nervous or have other health concerns, let us know and we can discuss your options.
Contact Bella Dental right away. A missing temporary filling can expose the tooth to bacteria and delay healing. We’ll schedule a quick appointment to replace it and protect the area until your final restoration is ready.
Yes. A follow-up appointment is usually needed to place a permanent crown over the tooth. In some cases, we’ll also want to check healing progress and ensure everything is functioning as it should.
Call Bella Dental at (805) 394-3000 for more information on booking an appointment, or fill out the form below and we will reach out to you!
