When patients hear they need root canal therapy, they often ask, ‘What is a root canal?’

Root canal described

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure that is used to maintain the natural tooth when infection or injury has occurred to the dental pulp. Root canal therapy is the last resort before extracting a tooth. The procedure requires the dentist to access the inner portions of the tooth to remove the dental pulp. This pulp includes the blood supply and the nerves which can cause pain for individuals. Once removed, the inner area of the tooth is disinfected before the area is filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material.

Why is root canal treatment done?

Root canals may be performed when there are issues such as:

• Abscesses
• Infection
• Large cavities
• Injury

Who is a candidate for root canal therapy?

Any patient interested in saving a tooth is encouraged to ask the dentist about root canal therapy before proceeding with an extraction. Root canal therapy can provide long-term results while reducing overall cost of treatment. When extracting a natural tooth, patients will then need to discuss replacement solutions such as dentures, bridges, and dental implants. These can be costly and may require attention several times over the years. Instead, root canal therapy saves the natural tooth and allows patients to move on with their dental health and wellness.

Schedule your visit today!

Dr. Brianne Luu and her skilled staff at Gentle Care Dentistry are dedicated to helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. If you are a candidate for root canal therapy and are interested in learning more, we encourage you to book an appointment with our team. Call +1 626-466-9596 for a visit. We welcome new patients into our state-of-the-art practice.

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