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Root Canal Rancho Palos Verdes |
 A root canal is a common dental procedure. It is designed to treat infection or damage within the pulp of a tooth. Despite its reputation for being painful, advancements in dental technology have made root canals a comfortable and effective treatment. A root canal is a valuable treatment that allows us to preserve the natural tooth, and your overall oral health. This avoids an extraction that requires you losing your tooth, and then the need for some type of restoration.Understanding the Tooth StructureTo understand a root canal, it is essential to know the structure of a tooth. Each tooth has three main layers: the enamel, dentin, and pulp. The pulp, located at the center, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay or trauma, a root canal is often necessary to save the tooth from extraction. When is a Root Canal Needed?Symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal include severe toothache, prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, or tenderness in the gums. When left untreated, an infected tooth may lead to abscess formation and further complications such as tooth loss. The Root Canal ProcedureA root canal typically requires three steps. First, we numb the area and remove the infected pulp. Second, the root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected. Lastly, the empty canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to prevent the recurrence of infection, and the tooth is sealed. When necessary, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength and function. Post Treatment CareAfter a root canal, it's common to experience mild discomfort or sensitivity that may be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. We recommend that patients avoid chewing hard foods with the treated tooth until a permanent crown is placed. Good oral hygiene habits such as brushing twice per day and flossing daily are essential for long term success. At home oral hygiene, along with regular dental checkups and professional cleanings, allow us to detect problems early, and treat them quickly; these are keys to dental health. Myths and MisconceptionsThe biggest misconception about root canals is that they are painful procedures. In reality, the procedure itself is no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. Another myth is that root canals cause illness; this is an old wives tail that still hasn't faded. It is not supported by any scientific evidence. The Importance of Root CanalsRoot canals are a vital procedure that allows us to preserve our patient's natural teeth. Extracting a tooth and replacing it with an implant or bridge is often more costly and time consuming than a root canal. When we save the natural tooth, root canals help patients to maintain proper chewing function, speech, and a natural appearance. If you are experiencing severe toothache, prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, or tenderness in the gums, please contact us today at (310) 894-8337 to schedule an evaluation. |
