Our dentists may recommend root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, when the nerves of your teeth become infected or otherwise damaged. This treatment helps to relieve pain and discomfort, and prevents the need for an extraction, allowing you to enjoy your natural teeth for years to come. For more information on root canals in Northridge, California, and to schedule your consultation with Drs. Terence Lau and Casey Lau, please call Mid-Valley Dental Care at (818) 886-3500.
Root canal therapy, commonly referred to as a root canal, is the treatment of the inner dental pulp and nerves of the tooth. When a tooth becomes damaged or badly decayed, bacteria can reach the inner canal of the tooth, extending down into the roots. If left untreated, this can lead to the death of the tooth and require an extraction. To preserve your tooth and restore it to full health and function, we may need to perform root canal therapy.
While root canal treatment has a bad reputation for being painful, Drs. Terence and Casey Lau utilize combined skill and experience to perform a virtually painless procedure. We strive to provide you with a comfortable, anxiety-free experience. During this procedure, our doctors will remove the infected portions of the tooth and clean out the canal before filling it with a medicated material. The remaining tooth structure is then covered with a dental crown to restore its original function, shape, and appearance. The entire treatment is typically completed in one to two visits to our office.
How do I know if I have an infected tooth?
A dental infection may not have any visible symptoms. However, we encourage you to visit our office if you experience the following:
- Severe, persistent toothache
- Tooth pain that radiates along the jaw or to the ear
- Tooth sensitivity
- Swelling in the gums or along the cheek
- Fever
- Tender lymph nodes
- Tooth abscess
To learn more about the symptoms of dental infection or to schedule an appointment for root canal therapy, we invite you to contact Mid-Valley Dental Care today.