Ask anyone around you if they’ve had a root canal and if they say yes, chances are they’ll say, “It was no big deal.” Still, the mere mention of the treatment often incites anxiety or dread in patients. Root canal treatment is a virtually painless procedure that eliminates infection and deep decay in a tooth, alleviating pain for the patient and restoring oral health. In fact, often root canal treatment is the only way to save a severely compromised tooth from extraction, which can lead to need for extensive restorations. The team at Gentle Care Dentistry is experienced in offering patients painless root canal therapy. Below, we’ll explain the importance of this treatment and what you can expect before and afterward.

About root canal treatment

Root canals are a restorative procedure that are performed when a tooth is affected by deep decay or damage that extends into the pulp chamber of the tooth. The pulp chamber is the soft, innermost area of the tooth where the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels are. Therefore, individuals with deep infections or trauma will experience intense symptoms such as pain, sensitivity to temperatures, inflammation, or abscesses. When this occurs, the only way to save the natural tooth is through root canal treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

In order to determine if you need a root canal, the dentist will start by physically examining the teeth and taking x-rays to determine if there is infection. X-rays allow the dentist to see the extent of the infection to determine if a root canal procedure is necessary. If a root canal is needed, we’ll schedule the procedure as quickly as possible to help alleviate pain.

The root canal treatment is very similar to a traditional filling. The dentist begins by drilling a small hole in the tooth to allow access into the pulp chamber. Then, the area is cleaned out and the inside of the tooth is thoroughly sanitized before it is filled with a material called gutta percha. The last step is to seal the tooth and then place a custom-fitted dental crown on top of the tooth. Teeth that undergo root canal treatment are brittle. The dental crown acts as a protective barrier to the toot and restores the ability to bite and chew naturally.

Root canal treatment is performed with local anesthesia so that the entire procedure is painless. If you deal with anxiety when it comes to dental procedures, we can discuss sedation as well.

Reasons for root canal treatment

There are several different scenarios that could warrant the need for a root canal, they may include:

• Injury or trauma to the tooth
• Deep tooth decay
• Multiple restorations on the same tooth
• Infection in the pulp chamber
• Deep fractures in the tooth

The benefits of root canal treatment

In most cases patients who need root canal treatment are in a great deal of pain. Whether the pain is intermittent or constant, it can often be very disruptive to your quality of life. You may find yourself unable to eat, sleep, or concentrate at work. One of the biggest benefits of root canal treatment will eliminate all these symptoms so you can find relief.

Another benefit is the prevention of more extensive restorative work in the future. If a deeply damaged or infected tooth is left untreated, eventually, it will need to be extracted. Following an extraction, you will be faced with the need for a dental implant or bridge-work or else you risk the remaining teeth shifting out of place and impacting the bite and integrity of the jawbone. Whenever possible, saving the natural tooth with a root canal is the better option over extraction.

Lastly, root canals have an extremely high success rate – upwards of 95 percent. This means you can trust that your procedure will be successful, and you’ll be able to enjoy restored oral health and functionality.

Be pain-free, schedule a consultation today

If you’ve been suffering from tooth pain, it’s time to get treatment. Give Gentle Care Dentistry in Azusa, CA a call as soon as possible to increase your chances of being able to save your tooth through painless root canal treatment. You can reach us at +1 626-466-9596.

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