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Dec
Advanced dental root canal therapy in Los Angeles
Two small words – root canal – have the power to make most people wince. However, the dental procedure commonly referred to as “a root canal” is no more traumatic than getting a filling. It actually relieves the pain caused by a damaged or abscessed tooth. Endodontic therapy is often the only way to save the tooth, when the alternative treatment would be extraction. Dr. Don Mungcal brings advanced technology and techniques to dental root canal therapy at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles.
Understanding root canal basics
Each one of your teeth is covered by a durable enamel shell; the visible portion you see when you smile. Underneath the enamel, a hard structure called dentin gives the tooth shape and strength. A chamber at the center holds vital pulp – blood vessels that keep the tooth nourished, and nerves that allow you to sense bite pressure and temperature. Nerves extend through canals, into the root of the tooth in the jawbone.
Your mouth naturally harbors hundreds of strains of bacteria. Deep decay, breakage, or even a fine crack can allow harmful bacteria to invade the pulp chamber, resulting in infection, inflammation, pressure, and acute or recurring pain.
For many years, conventional endodontic therapy has followed these steps:
- The patient may be prescribed medication for pain, or antibiotics
- The tooth is opened. Damaged or decayed structure is removed
- Nerves and infected pulp are extracted
- The pulp chamber is sterilized and sealed
- A temporary restoration is applied
- When the dentist is confident that no infection remains (usually about 30 days), the temporary restoration is removed and a crown is placed to protect the tooth from further damage
An advanced approach to root canal therapy
Dr. Mungcal builds upon that foundation of sound, conventional dentistry with modern equipment and methods.
Because patient comfort is Downtown Dental’s top priority, the doctor offers the option of gentle sedation. If an abscessed tooth is causing extreme pain, or if you have anxiety about the procedure, you may choose oral conscious sedation or intravenous sedation.
Every tooth has a unique shape, and may have one, two, or three roots, each with a nerve. The success of root canal therapy depends on the dentist fully removing tooth roots, and every trace of infected pulp. In the past, this required a bit of experienced guesswork. Downtown Dental has in-house CAT scan equipment. Three dimensional CT imaging gives Dr. Mungcal an excellent view of the pulp chamber, root canals, and hidden areas of infection. The result is more precise treatment and less time in the chair.
If you’ve had a nagging toothache, unusual temperature sensitivity, or wake with painful swelling, you may need dental root canal therapy. You’ll find gentle care and contemporary techniques at Downtown Dental in Los Angeles. The phone number is 213-863-9464.
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![Dr. Don Mungcal]()
Dr. Don Mungcal
![Dr. Tara Mavadat]()
Dr. Tara Mavadat
![Dr. Ivan Chan]()
Dr. Ivan Chan
As the cornerstone and founder of Downtown Dental, Dr. Don Mungcal is a proactive and
exceptionally talented dentist who is determined to contribute to the health and wellbeing of his community by
attending to their dental care needs.
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.
Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.
Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!
With over 28 years of experience and service, Dr. Mungcal makes it his responsibility to be the best version of himself by being his patients’ go-to point for any and all dental concerns. In addition to being meticulous in his work ethic, he is also an individual who understands development and change. He updates and informs himself constantly through various continuous educational programs that he undertakes. He also invests in the latest state-of-the-art technology to provide world-class dental services.
Dr. Mungcal graduated from UCLA and the University of the Pacific Dental School and is presently a member of several acclaimed medical associations, including the California Dental Society.
Dr. Tara Mavadat was always passionate about dentistry and is committed to helping patients achieve excellent oral health and beautiful smiles that last long. Having earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry, she focuses on comprehensive general dentistry with an emphasis on preventive dentistry. Her primary goals are to provide comfort and quality as well as exceptional esthetic outcomes to every patient.
Dr. Ivan Chan is enthusiastic about dentistry and his patients' oral health and is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective care. He is a highly skilled dentist who received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry.
Dr. Chan has extensive training in general dentistry. He focuses on creating lasting smiles while attempting to prevent gum disease and cavities. He looks forward to assisting you with all your needs while assuring you that your trust is always in good hands, regardless of your needs!