6th Avenue Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Periodontics
San Diego, CA
Call Today: 619-702-7113
Root Canal Treatments
Contained within a tooth you will find a very fine space called the root canal. This canal holds dental pulp which is made up of blood vessels and nerves. The pulp can become diseased and or die causing a toothache or even an abscess. The normal reaction to this problem in the past was to simply remove the tooth. Times sure have changed and now your trusted dentist can offer you root canal therapy to care for these teeth.
What Happens during Root Canal Therapy
An examination,including X-rays, will be performed. A local anesthetic will be given if necessary. A sheet of latex called a "Rubber Dam",will be placed around the tooth to isolate it and to keep it clean and dry during treatment.
The treatment consists of the following four basic steps,but the number of visits you make to our office will depend on your particular case.
Step1. An opening is made in the crown of the tooth.
Step2. The pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.Tiny instruments are used to clean the root canals and the shape them to a form that will be easy to fill.Medications may be placed at a later date.
Step3. When Completely clean and free of infection,the root canals are filled and sealed
with a material that prevents bacteria from reentering. The opening in the crown of the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. After treatment, X-rays usually are taken.
Step4. The temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent filling or some other protective covering such as a crown.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Root canal therapy will reduce the painful symptoms associated with a toothache or an abscess almost immediately and the use of local anesthetic and modern painkillers is prescribed to help minimize the pain as well.
How is a tooth restored following root canal therapy?
Bacteria from the mouth can be a big problem once root canal therapy has been performed and it is essential that any restoration sufficiently seals the root filling. Teeth that require root canal therapy commonly have widespread damage and require a crown to restore them accurately. These teeth have been weakened and the added fortification of a crown is recommended.
How successful is root canal therapy?
If the root canal is fully cleaned, sealed and the tooth properly restored then root canal therapy has a very high success rate. Depending on the severity of the infection it may take more than one visit to complete the procedure while antibiotics are administered to help reduce infection.
With root canal therapy a dead tooth can be saved and can last a lifetime with its roots receiving nourishment from the surrounding teeth.
Questions? Call us at 619-702-7113 or Make an Appointment Online we will be happy to answer your questions and schedule a Free Consultation.