Root Canal Therapy Process

An infected tooth is considered a dental emergency, as is a severely broken one. In either case, surgery is likely needed. This is because the inside of the tooth, or the pulp, has been affected. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Our dentist in Orange County can perform a root canal treatment to will restore the tooth back to health.

Many believe that a root canal therapy is very painful, but this is actually not the case. This treatment is meant to alleviate pain caused by infection and damage. And thanks to local anesthesia, patients do not feel anything at all. Our root canal dentist in Orange County will create a hole in the tooth with a drill. They can then access the pulp in order to remove the decayed tissue. Removing any and all of the decayed tissue is removed, as this is the only way the infection will be completely remedied.

After this is completed, the pulp will be replaced with a packing material called gutta percha. The tooth will then be capped with a dental crown. This will restore strength and protect it from further damage. Sometimes, root canal retreatment is necessary, to remove missed decayed tissue.

What to Expect from Emergency Root Canal Cases

Most root canals are not emergencies, but if a tooth is cracked, broken, badly decayed, or otherwise damaged all the way to the pulp of the tooth, it will need a root canal as soon as possible. Getting hurt during a basketball game or car accident, suffering a blow to the face, or falling can all lead to this type of dental damage. Our Los Angeles emergency dentists can help.

When a tooth is this severely damaged, an infection can develop quickly, so it is important that you seek help as soon as possible. We will evaluate the tooth and determine the best treatment to stabilize your dental health. An emergency root canal is not necessarily different from any other root canal. We will numb the tooth and the area surrounding the tooth for your comfort. The injured or diseased pulp will then be removed. The root canals will be cleaned, shaped, and then sealed to protect them from re-infection.

You may experience some tenderness after the root canal until the inflammation is completely gone. We may prescribe antibiotics or medication to help relieve the pain and manage any infection. After the root canal, you will need to schedule an appointment to have the tooth restored permanently so that it will continue to function healthfully. Call our expert in emergency root canal in LA to learn more.

What are the Options for Treating a Decayed Tooth?

Decayed teeth need treatment as soon as possible. Without treatment, the decay will continue, and could reach the inner parts of the tooth, necessitating root canal treatment, or an extraction if the decay is severe enough.

Common options for treating decayed teeth include:

•    Dental Fillings
Fillings are one of the most common treatments for cavities. Once the decayed tissue is removed, a dental material is used to fill the cavity and restore the tooth.

•    Inlays and Onlays
These restorations are similar to dental fillings, but can cover a larger part of the tooth, including the cusps, or biting surfaces. They are typically made of dental porcelain for an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

•    Dental Crowns
A severely decayed tooth might not be able to be restored with a filling, onlay, or inlay. A dental crown may be a better option. Crowns cover the affected tooth completely and restore the look, strength, and health of the tooth.

If the decay has affected the pulp, you will likely need a root canal to treat the tooth and a crown to restore it. Prevention is best: brush, floss and visit us regularly for cleanings and checkups. Call our LA endodontist today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

Taking Care of Teeth After Root Canal

A root canal treatment removes diseased tissue from the inner canals of the tooth. After the treatment, our expert in endodontics in LA will explain the best way to take care of your treated tooth. Proper aftercare is important because it will promote healing and reduce the risk of complications.

You may have some lingering soreness and sensitivity. This is normal, since it can take some time for the inflammation to fully subside. You can use warm salt water rinses a few times a day to address pain and swelling. Pain medication can also be helpful for some patients.

Brushing and flossing will continue to be important. You need to remove the plaque from your teeth daily to prevent decay and reinfection, as well as to keep the rest of your mouth healthy. An antimicrobial mouthwash can also be beneficial.

Avoid any foods that are hard or particularly sticky, since these can damage a temporary restoration. If you grind your teeth at night, you will need to wear a night guard to reduce the risk of damage to your teeth. Schedule a follow-up appointment to have your permanent restoration completed. Call our root canal dentist in LA today to learn more.

What Could Cause Tooth Infection?

A toothache is a very distinct kind of pain, and can be constant or only felt after stimulation, such as eating extremely hot or cold food. Many patients fear this kind of issue occurring, so when it does, they avoid seeing an expert in treatment in tooth infection in San Francisco to get it checked out. It is important, however, to treat the tooth to prevent the infection from becoming worse, which could even lead to the need to extract it. Here is a look at the most common cause of a tooth infection.

Deep decay can set into a tooth if it is not cleaned properly, including brushed and flossed daily, and examined by a professional at least twice a year. If this does not occur, the decay developed from sugary foods can eat away at the enamel, or the outer protective layer of the teeth. If not treated, it can continue on to damage more of the teeth, and eventually reach the inner layer. This is where the pulp, blood vessels, and nerves live. The pulp becomes infected or inflamed when the decay comes in contact.

Our San Francisco dentist can mend the tooth by performing a root canal. This involves creating a hole in the tooth, and removing the infected pulp. The tooth is then filled with a material called “gutta percha”, and sealed with a crown.

When is Getting a Root Canal the Best Option?

Root canal therapies are considered one of the most feared treatments in dentistry, thought of as extremely painful. The truth is that the purpose of root canal therapies is to relieve the pain caused by infected teeth. If a tooth is not cleaned well enough, decay can develop and grow to reach the center of the tooth, where the pulp resides, causing inflammation or infection. Patients experiencing this issue will learn that root canal therapy is the best option for restoring the functionality of the tooth and eliminating pain.

Our Los Angeles endodontics expert will begin the process by administering a local anesthetic to the affected area. They will then create a hole in the tooth and use special tools to remove the infected and inflamed pulp. Once removed, the pulp will be replaced with a dental material called “gutta percha”. The tooth is then capped with a crown to restore its strength and functionality.

Our expert in root canal treatment in Los Angeles may also recommend the treatment if repeated dental procedures have affected the tooth, or the pulp has been damaged by a break or chip. You can learn more about root canal treatment by visiting our endodontist in Los Angeles.