Root Canal Therapy
Your last resort to save a severly decayed tooth
Our Los Gatos dentist can help you find if Root Canal is the right option for you to save your tooth.
Have a Toothache? Find if Root Canal Can Help You.
Root Canal Therapy in Los Gatos, CA
Root canal therapy is the last possible treatment method to restore a severely decayed or infected tooth. It is the process of removing the decayed pulp from the tooth’s root canal cavity to save the tooth from being extracted. Though the tooth loses its nourishment and sensitivity after the procedure, it can be retained with the help of a dental crown placed over it.
What Causes A Root Canal Infection?
The most significant cause of a root canal infection is the presence of cavities. When cavities aren’t treated and disinfected during the early stages, the decay will spread to the inner layers of the tooth and reach the root canal cavity. The microbes from the decayed tissues can infect the dental pulp, thereby giving rise to a root canal infection. Sometimes, cracked or broken teeth that aren’t restored can allow the bacteria to enter the root canal. Gum diseases are also known to give rise to the infection.
What Are Its Symptoms?
Depending on the severity of the root canal infection, you could experience a wide range of symptoms. You most likely will need root canal therapy to relieve your pain and heal the infection if you are experiencing some of the following symptoms:
- An abscess or bump on the gums
- A change in color of the tooth
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Gums that are darkening or decaying
- Gums that bleed or discharge pus
- Jaw pain
- A loose tooth due to gum and jawbone deterioration
- Sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods
- Severe pain when biting and chewing food
- Tenderness and swelling of the gums
- Pain when pressure is applied to the affected tooth
Keep in mind that, occasionally, root canal infections can occur without symptoms. Scheduling a consultation with your dentist can help catch potential cavities and infections early and ensure you receive the root canal treatment you need as soon as possible.
The Importance of Root Canal Therapy
While people often think of root canal therapy as a painful procedure, in reality, you won’t feel much more discomfort than what you’d experience receiving a cavity filling. Even though there may be a bit of discomfort, root canal therapy is a necessary treatment that’s required to eliminate pain and save the tooth.
Root canal therapy helps eliminate decay and infection. Left alone, the bacteria can spread to the gums, causing a painful infection. It can eventually spread to other parts of the body — even into the bloodstream. Additionally, without root canal treatment, the infection can become so severe that the only option is to extract the tooth. When you extract a tooth, you put the adjacent teeth at risk for future dental problems.
With a high success rate, root canal therapy can help remove the inflammation, pressure and infection associated with root canal infection and help get you back to living pain-free in just a few days.
How Can A Root Canal Infection Be Treated?
An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating root canal infections. During the initial appointment, the dentist will carefully examine the teeth to understand the severity of the condition. Next, x-ray and scans may be taken to view the underlying root and jawbone. The dentist cleans the teeth and places a rubber dam on it. A small hole is made on the tooth, and the decayed dental pulp will be removed using dental files. The root canal cavity will be scrubbed to remove the adhered microbes and decay. A jet of water is used to wash it off.
The hole will be sealed using a filling material after a small amount of medication is placed in the cavity. This ensures reinfection doesn’t occur. After the procedure, the tooth may become too weak, and the chances for it to crumble or crack under severe forces are high. Hence, after a few days of the procedure, it is best to get the tooth restored using a dental crown. The ceramic restoration holds the tooth intact and prevents its failure.
Start Your Root Canal Therapy in Los Gatos
Are you looking for a root canal dentist in Los Gatos? At Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group, we can help rid your mouth of infection and pain. Our root canal treatment can restore functionality and allow you to enjoy your smile once again.
We are committed to providing exceptional full-service dentistry, which is why we always offer an honest diagnosis and treatment plan. In addition, our team of highly rated dentists uses only the best materials.
From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll be treated like family. We’ll help make the entire root canal process stress-free in our comfortable dental environment.
Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (408) 371-1070 to have a consultation with any of our Los Gatos Dental Group dentists, and we will be happy to help!
