You may have heard the word “abscess” before. But do you know what it is and how to spot the signs of a problem? Take a few moments to learn more about this serious tooth infection.
Root canals are a standard dental procedure. Unfortunately, they’re also veiled in myth, causing people to shudder in fear at the mere sound of the words. But advancements in dental technology and anesthetics mean you don’t feel a thing during your root canal. In fact, it’s one of the best options available to stop dental pain and save teeth.
At Madison Family Dental Group in Fair Oaks, California, Dr. Shiva Salehi provides general dentist and endodontic services, including root canals to relieve your mouth pain and stop a tooth’s infection.
If you need a root canal, here’s what you need to know.
To grasp the benefits of a root canal, you should have a basic understanding of a tooth's anatomy. Each tooth has a:
The nerves and pulp in a tooth root help teeth grow to maturity. However, adult, or permanent, teeth don’t need them anymore. That’s why if your tooth root pulp gets infected, Dr. Salehi can safely remove it during a root canal.
During a root canal, Dr. Salehi removes infected or damaged pulp, cleans the inside of your tooth, and then seals it to protect against future damage. Dr. Salehi may recommend this treatment if you have intense pain in your tooth that seems to come in waves or worsens when under pressure or when exposed to cold or hot temperatures.
Without treatment, an infection in your tooth pulp can easily spread to the surrounding gums and soft tissues of your mouth. Worse yet, it can even cause you to lose your tooth. A root canal safely and effectively removes the infection before it reaches that point.
Before starting your root canal, Dr. Salehi numbs the area so you don’t feel a thing. She uses a small drill to make an opening in your tooth to clean out the infected pulp and reshape your tooth canal. In some cases, she applies medicine in the space to provide additional relief before filling the tooth with a sterile, biocompatible, rubber-like material.
When she finishes treating your tooth, Dr. Salehi covers the opening she made with a temporary dental crown. This seals it against further damage. The whole procedure typically takes two or three visits.
After your first visit, it’s normal to have some residual discomfort, sensitivity, and tingling for a few days, but the source of your original tooth pain is gone for good. Once your permanent crown is ready, you come back to the office to have it placed. Dr. Salehi ensures your teeth and mouth stay healthy during your regular dental exams.
Root canals have a high rate of success, ensuring that you’re pain-free for years to come. Don’t try to live with tooth pain. If you think you need a root canal, call our office today at 916-229-8283 or book your visit online.
You Might Also Enjoy...
You may have heard the word “abscess” before. But do you know what it is and how to spot the signs of a problem? Take a few moments to learn more about this serious tooth infection.
Bonding and veneers are two options that address dental flaws to improve your smile. Your dentist can help you decide which procedure is right for you.
Deciding between a root canal and an extraction can be a difficult decision. Truth be told — you’d probably like to skip them both. But when your tooth is severely damaged or decayed, something must be done. Here’s how to choose the right procedure.
Many people are confused about how often they should visit the dentist. Others avoid the dentist until an emergency. The best approach for maintaining and protecting your oral health includes regular checkups at the dentist. Read on to find out more.
Does the mere thought of eating or drinking something hot, cold, or acidic make you cringe? You don’t have to live with sensitive teeth. Learn what causes this common problem and how to find relief from your symptoms.
When your teeth are stained, you might feel that your smile doesn’t shine as brightly as it once did. With plenty of solutions to help you, we’re ready to take your smile from dull to gorgeous.