Root Canal Treatment in La Jolla

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What is a root canal?​

A root canal treatment is for the pulp of the tooth that is inflamed, infected, or dead. The treatment is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft centre of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels that help the tooth grow. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.

In most cases, a general dentist or endodontist will perform a root canal while you are under local anesthesia.

How painful is a root canal?

Since patients are given local anesthesia, a root canal is not painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal generally leaves you a bit uncomfortable or numb after the procedure and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.

When is root canal treatment needed?

Below is the lowdown of signs you may need root canal therapy:
  • Severe toothache upon chewing or use of pressure.
  • Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.
  • Swelling and inflammation in nearby gum.
  • A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums.
  • Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed).

What are the steps for root canal treatment at Center for Dental Health, La Jolla?

A root canal is a multi-step dental procedure that involves removing the infected tooth pulp (and sometimes the nerve) from a tooth and sealing it to protect against future teeth pain.

Given below is the root canal procedure to relieve root canal pain:

Setting the Scene: Dentists will first take an X-ray to determine the extent of the infection.

Numbing Up: The first step in the actual procedure is a local anesthetia to numb the area and prevent toothache during the procedure. You will receive a local anesthetic to make you more comfortable, and a sheet of rubber called a “rubber dam” will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry.

Diving In: Your dental professional or endodontist will drill an access hole into the tooth and use special tools to remove the damaged nerve and pulp tissue.

Closing Out: Once the infected material is removed, your dentist will either seal the tooth on the same day or put a temporary filling to protect you from root canal pain until a customized crown is ready. Sealing the tooth involves the placement of a rubber compound into the root canal where the decayed material was removed. A filling is placed over the access hole.

Finishing Up: A crown, filling, or another tooth restoration completes the process of relieving your root canal pain. In some cases, your dentist may leave the tooth open so additional material can drain out of the tooth before it is filled and sealed. Some dentists even put a temporary filling in the tooth to protect the area while the infected material drains away completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a root canal painful?

A root canal procedure sounds daunting, but with advanced technology, it is a smooth process. There is little to no pain because your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your tooth and gums so you are comfortable during the procedure.

Is a root canal permanent?

Root canals are over 95% successful and can last a lifetime. The most important thing to do to make a root canal last as long as possible is get the permanent restoration (fillings or crowns) on the tooth immediately following the root canal and maintain that restoration with impeccable hygiene.

How long do root canals hurt?

A successful root canal can cause mild pain for a few days. This is temporary and should go away on its own as long as you practice good oral hygiene. You should see your dentist for a follow-up if the pain lasts longer than three days.

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