Root Canal Therapy in Irvine
Despite being one of the most common dental procedures performed today, there are many myths about root canals — the most popular is that root canals are painful and invasive. The truth is, when a root canal is performed by an expert, such as the team at Irvine Root Canal, the procedure is no more serious than a routine filling. Thousands of patients have trusted Irvine Root Canal for gentle root canal therapy, and now enjoy optimal dental health.
When Root Canal Therapy Is Necessary
The “root canals” or inner channels of the tooth contain soft tissue known as dental pulp, which is comprised of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. The pulp is responsible for nourishing the root during its development. However, after the tooth fully develops, it continues to receive nourishment from the tissues surrounding the pulp, and the pulp is not necessary to the tooth’s well-being.
If the dental pulp inside the root canals becomes inflamed or infected, root canal therapy is needed. Dental pulp can develop inflammation or infection due to one of the following reasons:
Dental decay
Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
Faulty crowns
A crack or chip in the tooth
Trauma to the tooth
Extreme tooth grinding (i.e., bruxism) that has worn down the tooth
Tooth pain is often the most common indicator that a root canal is needed. The pain can be mild or intense, and it can vary in intensity throughout the day. Other common indicators are sensitivity to hot food or liquids and tender or swollen gums near the affected tooth.
Patients that experience any of these symptoms should schedule an appointment with Dr. Kasravi at Irvine Root Canal. During this appointment, the endodontist visually examines the problem area and takes digital X-rays with the Sirona Galileos system to identify decay and damage beneath the surface of the tooth. With the information collected from the examination and X-ray results, she explains the available treatment options and advises whether a root canal is recommended.
Early identification and intervention is necessary to save the tooth. If left untreated, infected tooth pulp could cause an abscess or the death of the tooth. Once a tooth has died, it needs to be removed and extensive dental work is needed to replace the tooth.
The Root Canal Procedure
First, local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth to prevent pain or discomfort. Nitrous oxide is complimentary to all root canal patients. The endodontist creates an opening in the surface of the tooth and removes the diseased tooth pulp and nerves. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. Then, the tooth is filled and sealed with a material called gutta-percha. A crown or a filling may be placed to restore the tooth’s strength and integrity.
After root canal therapy, the tooth should function normally. It can withstand the normal biting force and sensation, and chew efficiently (although chewing ice or shells is not recommended, as it can harm the teeth). The treated tooth should also look natural; the filling or crown should be color-matched to blend in with the natural tooth enamel.
With the proper care, treated teeth can last problem-free for many years. Good oral hygiene is necessary to prevent decay and other problems.
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
For more information about root canals, contact the team at Irvine Root Canal and request a consultation. Call (949) 748-7374 or email us today.