Root canals are a dental procedure used to treat infection or repair damage within the soft, innermost part of your tooth located near its root. This area is called the tooth pulp, and it contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
Root canals can benefit your oral health by alleviating pain and preserving your natural teeth. Call our San Diego office today to learn more about root canals and how our dental restoration services can improve your smile.
Root canals are necessary when the pulp inside a tooth suffers damage or infection. Some of the most common causes include decay that penetrates beyond the enamel or trauma from an injury. For example, a crack in your tooth can leave the inner pulp exposed to bacteria, increasing your risk of infection and inflammation.
An infection may cause a severe toothache or increased sensitivity to heat or cold. Inflamed teeth can result in swelling and tenderness around the gum. If left untreated, pooling pus may form an abscess and cause intense pain.
Such infections can even spread to the tooth’s surrounding bone, causing bone decay or complete tooth loss. By traveling through your bloodstream, an infection can affect other parts of your body. A root canal procedure could help stop an infection before it compromises your overall health.
Our San Diego providers will thoroughly examine the infected tooth and, if needed, refer you to one of our trusted specialists to complete the root canal procedure. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area, and once it has taken effect, a small opening will be drilled into the tooth, and the infected or inflamed pulp will be removed.
Next, canals are meticulously cleaned to eliminate bacteria and debris. The root canals are then shaped and filled with a biocompatible material to restore stability to your tooth structure. The area is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling, and a crown is added for strength.
Modern dental advancements have made root canals a more streamlined and comfortable experience. Similarly, digital imaging provides clearer images of a tooth’s structure and improves accuracy. The dental materials used also ensure a tight and durable closure to the root canal, reducing your chance of experiencing a secondary infection.
Following your root canal procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity as the anesthesia wears off. Any discomfort can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
We recommend following certain dietary restrictions for a couple of days after your procedure to protect the temporary filling or new crown. For example, avoid eating any hard, crunchy, or sticky foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Long-term care includes maintaining regular brushing and flossing and scheduling follow-up visits to ensure your tooth heals properly.
Most San Diego patients notice significant pain relief within a couple of days following a root canal procedure, and full restoration of tooth function within a few weeks. With proper care, a root canal can last a lifetime.
There are substantial benefits to undergoing a root canal procedure. Not only does it eliminate pain caused by infection, but it also preserves your natural tooth structure and protects your jawbone by avoiding a tooth extraction. Root canals also help stop the spread of dangerous infections.
Despite common misconceptions, modern techniques have been developed to ensure your comfort during this procedure. Undergoing a root canal is a way to restore your health and confidence, not an event to dread.
A root canal may help save your natural tooth by eliminating infection and building a stable tooth structure. While root canals may have been painful in the past, modern techniques ensure they are relatively pain-free and produce long-lasting, natural-looking results.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort and want to know more about root canals, contact our San Diego office for a consultation. This simple procedure may be all you need to keep your tooth and eliminate pain.