Many people are surprised to discover that their teeth are fed by a network of blood vessels and nerves from deep inside the tooth.
However, occasionally an infection can become so severe that the blood vessels and nerves are no longer able to perform their job correctly and the tooth is no longer receiving blood and nutrients.
This is when your tooth dies. Fortunately, a dead tooth no longer automatically means that it will require extraction.
What is a Root Canal?
Here at Esthetic Smiles in Oxnard, we recommend a root canal, a very safe endodontic procedure, for our patients who have damaged dental pulp.
This can help preserve and save your tooth, giving it a second chance at remaining inside your mouth.
We typically do not like to remove a tooth, as a missing tooth can lead to complications further down the road, such as teeth shifting and drifting into the vacant spot, causing further tooth loss.
That's why we always try to save a tooth, even if it is severely infected or damaged.
A root canal can help prevent a tooth from being removed by scraping out the infected or dead pulp and sealing the tooth with a crown.
Root Canal Process
A root canal is a safe and routine procedure.
During a root canal, our root canal dentist will first numb the site thoroughly to ensure that you do not experience any discomfort.
If you do notice any pain, please let us know right away so we can give you more analgesic.
Next, we will place a thin layer of latex for our patients with allergies, we will use a hypoallergenic dental dam over the tooth, to help keep it dry.
We will then bore a tiny hole into your tooth with our tools to create an opening that allows us access to the inside of your tooth.
Procedure
We will then remove the pulp from your tooth carefully to make sure we're removing all of the infected material from inside it.
We will then shape the opening in preparation for filling.
We will wash the area with antibiotics to help further treat any infection.
Then we will dry the opening, then fill it with a rubbery material called gutta-percha, which will seal the tooth.
We will then close off the tooth with a temporary filling as we wait for your dental crown to return to us from the laboratory.
Once your permanent crown arrives, we will remove the temporary filling and secure it over your tooth.
A root canal procedure generally takes at least two appointments to complete.
Aftercare
After the root canal, we may have you return to our office for x-rays to make sure it is holding up well.
If you take care of your teeth, taking care to brush twice a day for two minutes each time, with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and floss once a day, and keep up with your biannual dental appointments and cleanings, it should last for the rest of your life.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Chances are, if you have an inflamed or infected pulp you can already feel it.
Unlike some dental disorders, such as gum disease, the symptoms of an infected pulp are usually very noticeable, though not always.
If you have been experiencing elevated sensitivity to the point that eating and even talking are difficult, you are experiencing persistent and severe toothaches, or have abscesses of your gums, then you may have an infected pulp.
This is a serious condition, and we urge you to schedule an exam immediately.
If left untreated, an infection can not only lead to the loss of your tooth, but it can also quickly spread and become deadly.
If you have an infection in your tooth, it's critical that you call us here at Esthetic Smiles at 805-365-4222 right away for an assessment of the infected tooth
You may also benefit from root canal therapy if you have a tooth that has been severely damaged.
While often we can see when a tooth is damaged because it is fractured, cracked, or chipped, the damage can occur internally where the naked eye cannot see it.
When this happens, it increases the risk of an abscess forming.
That is why it is a good idea to regularly schedule dental exams and cleanings, so we can catch the conditions that are not always readily apparent.
A Root Canal Can Save Your Tooth
The only other option to a root canal is extraction, so it is our goal to ensure the process is a success.
It is a simple procedure that takes no time at all.
Many patients have found that choosing to have a root canal rather than an extraction can be a great investment for the future.
Besides ensuring you have a tooth in the socket to protect your bone structure, you will also not have to worry about possible dental implants which can be costly compared to the convenience of a simple extraction.
With your natural tooth securely in your mouth, you should also never have to worry about the surrounding teeth loosening or falling out.
It is also incredible to learn that many of the patients who have received root canal therapy have mentioned that there is much less discomfort from recovery after the minor gum surgery when compared to a full tooth extraction.
If you are concerned about possibly losing a tooth or would like to learn more about root canals, please give us Esthetic Smiles a call at 805-365-4222 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Root Canal Therapy in Oxnard
Contact our experts at 805-365-4222 today to sechedule your appointment!
