What are root canals, and when are they needed to maintain oral health?
Root canals, sometimes called “endodontic therapy,” are a standard dental procedure performed by our dentists at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, California, to treat an infection inside the tooth. An infected tooth might cause severe pain and discomfort; if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems for the patient. Getting a root canal treatment is a way to save your natural tooth and help prevent further damage.
Is root canal therapy necessary?
There are times when Drs. Joseph and Julie Boulos may suggest root canal therapy. This procedure is necessary when the pulp, best described as the soft tissue inside the tooth containing the nerves and the tooth’s blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen because of deep decay, a cracked or broken tooth, repeated dental procedures on the very same tooth, or trauma to the tooth.
What is the difference between root canal treatment and dental implants?
Getting a root canal is about alleviating pain and preventing potential removal. If patients do not use root canal therapy to save a tooth, they may be faced with manual extraction to remove it and then tooth replacement options. These options may include dental implants, which are titanium posts that function as natural tooth root replacements and a foundation for dental crowns, bridges, or dentures to restore the smile’s functionality after tooth extraction.
What can I expect during the root canal process at the office?
During a root canal procedure with our team, you can expect to be given local anesthesia that numbs the area and relieves pain. Dr. Joseph then makes a small access point in the tooth to reach the infected pulp. They will carefully remove the damaged tissue and clean out the inside of the tooth before filling it with a special material to seal it off from further infection. Dental crowns are often made to cover the tooth and protect it from damage.
How do I learn more about why I should consider root canal treatment?
Root canal therapy is considered the last effort to save the tooth from extraction and can be a great way to keep the natural tooth in place within the smile. If you have been advised that this treatment might be right for you, call our office to request an evaluation and talk to us about your dental needs. Our team at All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA, can be reached by calling (858) 264-3002 to request a visit to 2180 Garnet Avenue, Suite 1-K. They proudly serve patients in and around La Jolla, Clairemont, Ocean Beach, University City, Bay Park, Mesa, and San Diego, California.
Hi, my name is Bruce and I came in to see Dr. Boulos today and decided I needed a root canal, one of the front teeth, and did the procedure. And I have to tell you, this was the fastest and the best root canal I had ever done. I mean, I was dreading it, but he made it sound like it was a regular procedure. Pain was minimal, and I appreciate it. It was very quick. Dr. Boulos was very professional. All staff was wonderful, and I would definitely refer ’em to anybody that I know.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.