If you’re struggling with constant tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, or swollen gums, a root canal may be the solution. At Bella Dental in Ventura, we offer gentle, effective root canal treatment that helps relieve discomfort and preserve your natural tooth. Our goal is to stop the problem at its source and restore your oral health as comfortably as possible.
Root canal therapy involves removing the infected or inflamed tissue inside your tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the space, and sealing it to prevent future problems. This proven procedure is one of the best ways to avoid extractions and maintain the function of your natural smile.
Dr. Mahyar Cohen and our experienced team in Ventura use modern technology and a calming, personalized approach to make your visit as stress-free as possible. Root canal treatment has a high success rate, and with proper care, your restored tooth can last for many years.
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure used to save a damaged or infected tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. The term “root canal” refers to the hollow part of the tooth that holds the dental pulp—a soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels.
When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, trauma, or cracks, it can cause intense pain and lead to serious complications if untreated. A root canal removes the infection and protects the tooth structure so it can continue functioning.
The pulp is the soft inner portion of your tooth that extends from the crown down through the roots. While it’s essential during early tooth development, a mature tooth no longer depends on the pulp to stay healthy. Nearby tissues continue to nourish the tooth even after the pulp is removed.
The root canal system includes:
Several dental issues can lead to a root canal infection:
Deep decay: Untreated cavities that allow bacteria to reach the pulp
Repeated dental work: Multiple procedures on the same tooth may weaken it and trigger inflammation
Cracks or chips: Even minor damage can expose the pulp to bacteria
Injury or trauma: A blow to the face or mouth can cause pulp damage
Advanced cavities: When decay is ignored, it spreads into the pulp and causes pain
As bacteria multiply inside the pulp chamber, pressure builds and can cause intense discomfort. If the infection spreads beyond the tooth root, it may result in an abscess or even bone loss.
Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the best option. Here’s why it matters:
Your own tooth is ideal for biting and chewing. It also helps maintain normal sensation and keeps your mouth functioning comfortably.
An intact tooth helps maintain proper bite alignment and keeps surrounding teeth from shifting or wearing unevenly.
When a tooth is extracted, the jawbone underneath can start to shrink over time. Keeping the root in place helps stimulate the bone and maintain structure.
While implants and bridges can replace missing teeth, they require more steps, time, and expense. A successful root canal can save you the hassle.
In many cases, root canal treatment is more affordable than extraction and tooth replacement. It also reduces the need for multiple follow-up procedures.
At Bella Dental in Ventura, we focus on helping you keep your natural teeth when possible, using trusted methods and compassionate care to ensure the best results.
Understanding the symptoms of an infected tooth helps you take action before the problem gets worse. Look out for:
You may feel:
Pain that comes and goes is still a sign something isn’t right.
Infected teeth often lead to puffy, red gums near the problem area. Swelling can spread to the jaw or face in advanced cases.
An infected or dying tooth may turn gray or dark due to changes in the pulp and blood supply.
A small bump on the gum, sometimes with pus, can indicate an abscess. It may drain occasionally but won’t resolve without treatment.
Early treatment at Bella Dental can prevent the need for more serious dental work and help you stay comfortable.
If you’re feeling uneasy about a root canal, knowing the process can make it less overwhelming. At Bella Dental in Ventura, we use a clear, step-by-step approach to keep you informed, calm, and comfortable from start to finish.
Your appointment begins with a careful examination of the affected tooth. We use advanced digital X-rays to capture detailed images of your tooth’s internal structure. This allows us to spot deep decay, inflammation, abscesses, or bone loss that might not be visible to the naked eye.
Our digital X-ray system significantly reduces radiation exposure compared to traditional imaging, offering a safe and effective way to plan your treatment accurately.
Before treatment starts, we’ll apply a local anesthetic to completely numb the area. Most patients say this part feels no different than having a regular filling done. Once you’re comfortable, we place a small rubber barrier—called a dental dam—around the tooth. This keeps the area clean, blocks saliva from entering the treatment zone, and helps prevent any materials from reaching your throat.
Next, we create a tiny opening in the top of your tooth to access the infected tissue inside. Using precise tools, we carefully remove the inflamed pulp and thoroughly clean the inside of each root canal. This cleaning process includes disinfecting the space with antibacterial solutions to eliminate any remaining bacteria and reduce the risk of future infection.
Once the canals are fully cleaned and dried, we fill them with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This filling is placed with adhesive cement to ensure a strong seal. The goal is to completely block out bacteria and prevent any reinfection from taking hold.
Teeth that have undergone root canal therapy are more fragile and may be prone to cracking over time. That’s why we recommend placing a dental crown once the procedure is complete. A crown restores the tooth’s shape and strength, allowing it to function like normal.
At Bella Dental, each crown is custom-made to blend in with your surrounding teeth. The result is not only protective but also natural-looking.
Taking proper care of your tooth after a root canal helps speed up recovery and ensures lasting results. Most patients feel well enough to return to regular activities within a day, but some mild tenderness is normal.
After your appointment, it’s common to feel:
These symptoms usually fade within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Until your permanent crown is placed and healing is complete, it’s important to protect the treated area by choosing the right foods.
Avoid:
Choose soft, nourishing foods like:
Starting 24 hours after your procedure, resume gentle brushing and flossing. Take care when cleaning around the treated tooth, and avoid aggressive brushing. Rinsing with warm salt water a few times per day can help soothe the gums and promote healing.
If you received a temporary filling or crown, you’ll need a follow-up appointment to place the permanent one. This final step is essential for protecting your tooth long-term and restoring full function.
Most root canal recoveries go smoothly, but if you notice any of the following, get in touch right away:
Our team at Bella Dental in Ventura is always available to help with concerns, adjustments, or additional care.
Bella Dental is proud to offer skilled, modern root canal treatment to patients throughout Ventura and surrounding areas. Led by Dr. Mahyar Cohen, our team combines experience with a gentle touch to deliver care that’s both effective and reassuring.
Dr. Cohen completed his training at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC, graduating with honors. Since 2016, he’s been helping patients in Ventura and beyond protect their oral health with smart, comfortable dental solutions.
Our patients benefit from:
At Bella Dental, our focus is always on preserving your natural smile and restoring comfort with as little disruption as possible.
You don’t have to live with tooth pain or wait for things to get worse. A root canal may be the key to saving your natural tooth and avoiding more serious dental problems.
Schedule your visit with Dr. Mahyar Cohen at Bella Dental in Ventura today. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
It’s best to wait until the numbness fully wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Once it does, stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side until your permanent crown is placed.
Yes. Root canals are considered safe during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester. We take extra care with medications and X-rays to protect both the patient and the baby. Always let your dentist know if you’re pregnant before treatment.
Not always. Antibiotics are only prescribed if there’s evidence of a spreading infection or abscess. In most cases, the root canal procedure itself removes the source of infection, and additional medication isn’t needed.
We recommend placing a crown as soon as possible after the root canal is complete—typically within a week or two. Delaying it increases the risk of the tooth cracking or becoming re-infected.
No. Root canal treatment can be safely performed on teens, adults, and seniors. Dr. Cohen will evaluate the condition of your tooth and overall oral health to determine if a root canal is appropriate for your age and situation.
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!
