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Root Canal Therapy

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canals are tiny passageways that branch off from beneath the top of the tooth, coursing their way vertically downward, until they reach the tip of the root.

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All teeth have between one and four root canals.

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Many tooth problems involve infections that spread to the pulp, which is the inner chamber of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When the infection becomes worse, it can begin affecting the roots. A traumatic injury to a tooth can also compromise the pulp, leading to similar problems.

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A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems; pain and sensitivity are some of the first indications of a problem; but inside, a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, leading to an abscess.

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Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success, and involves removing the diseased tissue, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to save a problem tooth; before the procedure was developed and gained acceptance, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction.

Symptoms

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call our office right away at (650) 938-9000 to determine if there’s a problem and the proper treatment:

  • Tooth pain

  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold

  • Tooth is sensitive or tender to the touch

  • Swelling

  • Drainage

  • Discoloration of tooth

You may need root canal treatment even if you aren't currently experiencing any pain. You may have had pain in the past, but without any intervention, the decay continued until it destroyed the tooth’s nerve. With its nerve dead, the tooth will give you no pain, but will still be in need of immediate care.

Procedure

Root canal therapy usually entails one to three visits. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. Diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and medication designed to prevent infection. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown.

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Most patients who undergo root canal therapy experience little to no discomfort or pain and enjoy a restored tooth that can last a life time. With today’s advanced techniques, materials and anesthetics, many of our patients say that having a root canal was a comfortable experience and not traumatic at all.

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If you have unexplained tooth pain, please contact us right away to schedule an appointment or free initial consultation. Teeth that are left untreated, infected or decayed can cause long-term damage.

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