Root Canal Treatment
Coronado, CA
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that saves millions of teeth from inflammation and infection each year. Root canal treatment involves removing the damaged pulp and nerves from inside the tooth to eliminate bacteria and prevent the infection from spreading. If you have an infected tooth, root canal treatment may be able to save it.
Root canal treatment is available at Coronado Dentistry & Pediatrics in Coronado and the surrounding area. This procedure can relieve dental pain and save your tooth. Call us at (619) 354-5136 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment today.
Understanding Root Canals
Below the enamel and dentin, there is pulp at the center of a tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes injured or infected, the patient may experience swelling, infection, and pain. Even when outwardly apparent symptoms are not present, bacteria within the root canal may cause decay and damage to the jawbone. In many cases, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
A root canal can remove the infected or inflamed pulp to prevent further issues. Various situations can call for a root canal, such as repeat dental work on the same tooth, cracks or chips, deep cavities, or a tooth injury. Signs that a patient may need root canal treatment include bumps along the gums, darkening gums, severe pain or sensitivity while biting or chewing, and swollen or tender gums. People should be aware that the signs of root canal infection or injury are not always obvious and that a thorough examination may be necessary for diagnosis.
“A root canal can remove the infected or inflamed pulp to prevent further issues.”
Root Canal Treatment Benefits
The goal of root canal treatment is to save and preserve the natural tooth. One of the biggest benefits of root canals is getting rid of pain and infection in the mouth. Additional benefits include:
- Improved appearance: After root canal treatment, the patient will receive a crown or filling that restores their tooth’s aesthetic appearance.
- Reduced risk for further decay: Removal of the infected dental pulp prevents the bacteria from spreading and damaging the surrounding teeth.
- Restored function: Root canals restore a tooth’s health to function like any other tooth.
- Saving the natural tooth: Nothing can replace the look and function of a natural tooth.
“The goal of root canal treatment is to save and preserve the natural tooth.”
The Root Canal Process and Potential Complications
According to Healthline, root canal treatment typically involves four steps. First, we will take an X-ray of the infected tooth and numb the treatment site. Next, we will place a dental dam, or small protective sheet, over the area to protect the spot from saliva and bacteria during the procedure. Then we will make a small incision near the tooth’s crown to expose the infected pulp before removing the infected tissue and cleaning out the pathways. Once the canals are clean, we may apply a topical antibiotic to kill any remaining infection. Once the tooth is filled and sealed, we will place a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and restore its functionality.
As with any semi-invasive procedure, root canal treatment is not without its risks. In some cases, the damage is too extensive for treatment to be viable. If root canal treatment occurs in this situation, it could result in tooth loss. Though rare, root canal treatment can also result in abscesses. This typically only occurs if the improper infected pulp removal occurs or if the antibiotics are ineffective. Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.
“Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.”
Preventing the Need for Root Canal Treatment
Although root canals are effective procedures to restore infected or damaged teeth, it is best to avoid the need for a root canal in the first place. Preventing the need for root canal treatment is simple, maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Since root canals are often necessary due to tooth decay, people can help prevent this by brushing twice and flossing once every day.
It is also essential to attend regular dental appointments and seek dental attention as soon as possible when pain or discomfort arises. People can also take certain actions to avoid tooth damage than can necessitate root canal treatment. This includes avoiding acidic foods and beverages, not chewing on ice, and wearing a mouthguard while playing sports and at night if teeth grinding occurs.
“Although root canals are effective procedures to restore infected or damaged teeth, it is best to avoid the need for a root canal in the first place.”
Alternatives To Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are safe and effective procedures to save a tooth. However, some situations may require alternative treatment, such as extraction. Extraction involves pulling out the entire tooth.
This treatment takes more time and can necessitate further procedures to surrounding teeth and supporting tissue. It is always best to try and save a natural tooth when possible. Extractions are best for when a tooth is too damaged to be saved with a root canal.
“Extractions are best for when a tooth is too damaged to be saved with a root canal.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Frequently Asked Questions
New patients and emergency appointments welcome
Endodontic Terminology
Cementum
Cementum is that bone-like tissue that forms the outer surface on the root of the tooth.
Dental Pulp
Dental pulp is the inner-most layer of the tooth with connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue.
Dentin
Dentin is the inner layer of the tooth structure that is immediately under the enamel and surrounds the dental pulp.
Direct Pulp Cap
A direct pulp cap is a procedure in which a professional treats exposed pulp with a therapeutic material to help the tooth heal.
Enamel
The enamel is the hard calcified layer that covers the entire tooth and is subject to interaction with multiple substances.
Endodontist
An endodontist is a specialist who focuses on treating issues, diseases and conditions that affect the inner-most layer of the tooth, the dental pulp.
Pulpectomy
A pulpectomy is a procedure that involves the complete removal of pulp tissue from the root canal in a tooth.
Pulpitis
Pulpitis is another term to describe the inflammation of the dental pulp due to an injury or infection.
Pulpotomy
A pulpotomy is a procedure involving the removal of a portion of diseased or infected pulp in order to protect the healthy portions of the pulp and teeth still in the mouth.