Vahan Grigoryan, DDS
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
Implants, INVISALIGN®
Dental Imaging
ROOT CANALS
Root canal therapy is a crucial dental procedure that becomes necessary when the pulp (the nerve) inside a tooth becomes infected or abscessed. This can occur due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to severe pain, swelling, and even bone loss around the affected tooth.
What Are Root Canals?
Root canals, also known as endodontic treatment, involve the removal of the infected pulp from the center of the affected tooth. Our experienced dentist will carefully clean the interior of the tooth and then seal the pulp cavity with a biocompatible material. This process relieves toothache, halts the infection's progress, and promotes healing.
Benefits of Root Canals
Choosing root canal therapy offers numerous benefits, including:
Preservation of Your Natural Tooth
By opting for a root canal, you can save your natural tooth instead of resorting to tooth extraction. Preserving your natural tooth helps maintain the integrity of your smile and prevents potential shifts in surrounding teeth.
Relief from Toothache
Root canal treatment provides effective pain relief by eliminating the infection and addressing the underlying cause of the toothache.
Prevention of Further Complications
By halting the infection's progress, root canals prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues, reducing the risk of more severe complications.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
1. Persistent Toothache: If you have a persistent, throbbing toothache that does not subside, it may be a sign of an infected pulp. This can be an indication that a root canal procedure is needed.
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2. Sensitivity to Temperature: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, especially if it lingers even after the stimulus is removed, can be a sign of pulp infection, potentially requiring a root canal.
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3. Swelling and Tender Gums: Swelling and tenderness in the gums around a specific tooth can indicate an infection that may necessitate a root canal.
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4. Tooth Discoloration: Discoloration of a tooth, usually turning it a dark shade, can be a sign of pulp damage or infection.
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5. Abscess Formation: The development of a pimple-like abscess on the gums near a tooth indicates a severe infection, requiring immediate attention, often in the form of a root canal.
It is important to note that the specific type of root canal needed and the severity of the infection can only be determined by a professional dental examination. Our dentist will carefully evaluate your symptoms, perform any necessary tests, and recommend the most suitable type of root canal treatment for your condition.
The Root Canal Process
01.
Initial Examination
Our dentist will examine your tooth and perform any necessary X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
03.
Accessing the Pulp
Our dentist will create a tiny access hole in the tooth to reach the infected pulp.
05.
Cleaning and Disinfection
The interior of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent reinfection.
07.
Restoration
02.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
04.
Pulp Removal
Using specialized tools, the infected pulp will be carefully removed from the tooth's canals.
06.
Sealing the Canals
Once the canals are cleaned, they will be sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent further infection.
In many cases, a dental crown will be placed over the treated tooth to protect and strengthen it. The crown restores the tooth's functionality and enhances its appearance.
