Root canal therapy has long endured a poor reputation, often causing anxiety and fear among dental patients. This unfortunate perception is largely due to outdated information and misconceptions that have persisted over the years. However, it’s important to understand that modern root canal therapy stands in stark contrast to the stories you might have heard. Today, this common and highly effective procedure is designed to relieve discomfort and save your natural teeth, giving you every reason to embrace it with confidence.
At Beach Cities Dentistry in Manhattan Beach, CA, our gentle and highly skilled providers ensure a smooth, worry-free root canal procedure from start to finish. We believe that informed patients feel more at ease, so we invite you to read the detailed information below to better understand the process and contact our office with any questions.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment aimed at treating and saving a tooth that has become infected due to deep decay, trauma, or other dental issues. The primary goal of this treatment is to relieve discomfort, preserve the natural tooth structure, and restore the tooth’s function.
The Root Canal Process
The root canal process generally consists of the following steps:
- Examination: If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or other symptoms, our dentist will perform a thorough examination, including x-rays, to determine if a root canal treatment is necessary. The examination will help identify the extent of the infection and the best course of action.
- Local anesthetic: To ensure a comfortable experience, local numbing agents will be carefully administered to desensitize the area around the affected tooth.
- Pulp removal: A small opening will be made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected or damaged pulp will be carefully removed using specialized instruments.
- Cleaning and shaping: The root canal system will be carefully cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling. During this step, our dentist will flush the canal with antibacterial solutions to eliminate any remaining bacteria.
- Filling and sealing: The prepared root canals will be filled with gutta-percha and a sealer paste to ensure a complete and tight seal, preventing future infections.
- Restoration: A temporary crown will be placed on the tooth to protect it. Once we have fabricated your permanent crown, we will cement it in place to provide additional strength and support, ensuring the tooth’s long-term health and performance.
Reasons You May Need A Root Canal
A root canal may be recommended if a tooth becomes infected or is in danger of becoming infected. Some typical circumstances that necessitate a root canal include:
- Deep tooth decay: When a cavity goes untreated, it can progress deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the pulp. This can cause the pulp to become infected or inflamed, necessitating a root canal to save the tooth and alleviate pain.
- Cracked or chipped tooth: Trauma to the tooth, such as a crack or chip, can expose the pulp, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection. In such cases, a root canal is often required to treat the infection and protect the tooth from further damage.
- Repeated dental procedures: Frequent dental procedures on the same tooth can weaken the tooth structure and cause stress to the pulp, increasing the risk of inflammation or infection. A root canal may be necessary to address the issue and preserve the tooth.
- Dental injury or trauma: A traumatic dental injury, even without visible damage to the tooth, can cause damage to the pulp or disrupt the blood supply to the tooth, eventually leading to the pulp’s death. A root canal may be required to prevent or treat infection and save the tooth.
Signs Of A Tooth Infection
If you have an infected tooth, prompt treatment is essential to ensure that the infection does not spread and cause more damage to your neighboring teeth, or necessitate an extraction. Some signs that may indicate you have a tooth infection include:
- Severe toothache or pain when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Swelling, redness, and tenderness in the surrounding gums
- Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
- Persistent bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult our team as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
If you’ve been told you need a root canal, put aside any fears and instead embrace the opportunity to reclaim your dental health and preserve your natural teeth. Our providers are not only specialists in their field, but they are also genuinely dedicated to ensuring your comfort and satisfaction throughout the root canal procedure. We prioritize patient care and aim to provide a relaxing and stress-free atmosphere during your visit.
Our dental team will be available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have before, during, and after your procedure, ensuring that you are fully supported throughout your root canal journey. Call today to schedule an appointment!
