Keep Smiling with Root Canal Therapy
When possible, your teeth are worth saving at all costs. Root canal therapy offers an alternative to extraction for treating severely decayed or damaged teeth. Swollen gums, tooth sensitivity, toothache, and painful chewing are signs you may need root canal therapy. At Mid-Valley Dental Care, Drs. Terence Lau, Casey Lau, and Kayla Lau offer root canal treatment to our patients in Northridge, California, and nearby communities.
What are the signs of a root canal?
Your tooth is a living tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The enamel protects these delicate tissues—the outer protective covering. While the enamel is the hardest part of the body, it can be breached by cavities, cracks, and repeated dental work.
Fault lines on the enamel can allow harmful bacteria into the pulp chamber, causing infection. You’ll need a root canal to remove the deep infection when your pulp is infected. The common signs of an infected tooth include:
- A persistent toothache, especially when chewing
- Lingering tooth sensitivity after consuming hot and cold substances
- Tooth discoloration (an infected tooth tends to turn dark or brown)
- Swollen gums
- A recurring pimple-like swelling on the gums
- Persistent foul taste or odor in the mouth
What does a root canal involve?
A root canal doesn’t involve removing your tooth or its root. The dentist removes the infected pulp chamber and leaves your tooth intact. Your procedure starts by inspecting your tooth with digital radiographs. We want to establish the extent of tooth damage and whether it’s viable for a root canal. If so, the dentist numbs your gums with local anesthetics and makes a tiny hole in the tooth.
Using this access hole, the dentist will remove the infected tissues and disinfect the tooth thoroughly until all the infection is gone. Then, the dentist will fill the tooth with gutta-percha (a rubber-like material) to seal off harmful bacteria. The final step is to restore your tooth with a filling or dental crown.
Is the treatment painful?
Not at all! We aren’t in the 1960s. Modern root canals are virtually painless. Our dentist uses powerful anesthetics to ensure you don’t feel pain during treatment. Many patients report the procedure is no more painful than a cavity treatment. However, sedation dentistry is available upon request if you are anxious about treatment.
Some discomfort or soreness after the procedure is normal but is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and home remedies.
How long does the treatment take?
A root canal usually takes 30–60 minutes, but more complex cases can take up to 90 minutes or longer. Most root canals can be completed in a single visit, although complex ones may need 2-3 appointments.
What are the benefits of root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment saves your natural tooth, relieves pain, and prevents the infection from spreading. It also helps preserve your natural bite and prevents the need for extraction and more invasive dental procedures.
Can I prevent a root canal?
Although root canal treatments are safe and painless, it’s vital to prevent them in the first place. Observe the following tips to avoid the need for root canals.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth twice daily
- Floss at least once to prevent plaque buildup between teeth
- Wear a mouthguard when sleeping if you grind your teeth
- Limit the consumption of acidic and sugary foods
- Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and check-ups
Does the dentist in my locality offer root canal treatment?
Do you suspect a root canal in Northridge, California? Call (818) 886-3500 to schedule an appointment with Mid-Valley Dental Care.
Root Canal
