Don’t Live With Tooth Pain Any Longer

Root canal therapy saves a tooth that’s become infected or damaged. While many patients of Dr. Sabine Purps are apprehensive about root canal treatment due to its reputation, it’s a safe way to restore oral health and maintain natural teeth.

In this comprehensive guide, our San Diego, CA, dentist explains the basics of root canal treatment to help patients prepare for treatment and feel more at ease going into their procedures. Contact Fine Dentistry of San Diego today by calling (858) 732-3155 to schedule an appointment. 

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy removes infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and cleans and shapes the root canals. The root canals are then filled and sealed to prevent bacteria from reinfecting the tooth. This helps save the tooth and prevent further damage or infection.

Each tooth has a soft inner layer known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that keep the tooth healthy and alive. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can lead to pain, sensitivity, and even tooth loss. This painless treatment can be financed at San Diego Fine Dentistry.

Anatomy of a Tooth

Each tooth consists of three main parts:

• Crown: The crown is the visible part of the tooth above the gum line. It’s covered by a protective layer called enamel, the hardest substance in the human body.
• Dentin: Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, a yellowish layer that forms the bulk of the tooth structure. Dentin isn’t as hard as enamel but still provides support and protection.
• Pulp: The innermost part of the tooth is known as the pulp. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues, playing a vital role in tooth development during childhood.

When Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?

Root canal therapy may be necessary for several situations, including:

• Dental Decay: When left untreated, a cavity can spread to the tooth’s pulp and cause infection.
• Dental Trauma: A tooth that’s been fractured or chipped can allow bacteria to enter the pulp and cause infection.
• Gum Disease: Gum disease can cause pockets around the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and infect the pulp.

Root canal therapy is often the best way to treat these issues and prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue. Contact our top-rated dentist today to learn more about the risks and benefits of root canals.

Signs of Dental Infection

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may have a dental infection that requires root canal therapy:

• Severe toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Pain when chewing or biting

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Purps as soon as possible to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

There are many benefits to undergoing root canal treatment, including:

• Saving the Tooth: Root canal therapy can help save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction.
• Relieving Pain: Root canal therapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by infection or damage to the pulp.
• Preventing Further Damage: By removing the infected or damaged pulp, root canal therapy can prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
• Restoring Function: With a filling in place, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can be fully restored and function like a natural tooth.

Endodontic Treatments

There are several types of endodontic treatment, and the type you receive will depend on your specific dental needs. Common endodontic treatments include:

• Root Canal Therapy: Involves removing the infected or damaged pulp and cleaning and filling the root canal. Once the root canal is filled, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown.
• Apicoectomy: In some cases, root canal therapy may not be enough to treat the infection or damage to the tooth. In these cases, an apicoectomy may be necessary. This involves removing the root’s tip and any infected tissue and sealing the root to prevent further infection.
• Pulp Capping: If the damage to the tooth is minor and hasn’t caused an infection, your dentist may recommend a pulp capping procedure. This involves placing special material over the damaged pulp to help it heal and prevent further damage.
• Regenerative Endodontics: This newer type of root canal therapy helps the damaged pulp in young teeth heal and regenerate. This involves using special materials to stimulate the growth of new pulp tissue and blood vessels in the tooth.
• Root Canal Retreatment: In some cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may become infected again. In these cases, non-surgical root canal retreatment may be necessary to remove the infection and restore the tooth.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Here’s what you can expect with a root canal treatment:

1. X-rays: Our dentist will first take an X-ray to see the shape of the root canals and determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone.
2. Dental Sedation: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth. This is done to make the procedure more comfortable for the patient. If you’re extra nervous, talk to your dentist to see if they offer dental sedation options. 
3. Pulpectomy: A hole is drilled into the tooth to create an opening. We’ll use specialized tools to remove the pulp, bacteria, decayed nerve tissue, and related debris inside the tooth and its root canal.
4. Cleaning and Shaping: After the pulp has been removed, our dentist will clean, enlarge, and shape the canals to prepare them for the filling. This process is usually accomplished with tiny files, and a disinfecting solution may be used to kill any remaining bacteria and wash away debris.
5. Filling the Canals: Once the canals are cleaned, they’re sealed with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the canals.
6. Temporary Filling: A temporary filling material is placed on top of the gutta-percha to close the opening until the tooth is ready for its permanent restoration. We’ll remove this temporary filling before the tooth is restored.
7. Restoration: After healing, the tooth will need a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown or a filling, to replace the lost tooth structure and provide a complete seal to the top of the tooth. This step is crucial to protect the tooth from infection or breaking in the future and to restore its function.

After the procedure, your tooth may be sensitive for a few days, but over-the-counter painkillers can usually manage this. Despite its reputation, most people report the procedure is no more painful than receiving a dental filling. Dr. Purps will also let you know if a root canal alternative may be beneficial. 

Aftercare for Root Canal Therapy

Diet

For the first few days after your root canal, prioritize soft foods that require minimal chewing. This minimizes pressure on the treated tooth while it heals. Think mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and well-cooked pasta. Gradually reintroduce harder foods as your dentist advises.

Pain Management

Some discomfort after a root canal is normal. Take any prescribed pain medication exactly as directed by your dentist. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also help manage discomfort.

Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for healing and preventing infection. Brush your teeth gently twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid flossing directly around the treated tooth for a few days, but continue flossing other areas of your mouth.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking can impede healing and increase the risk of complications. If you smoke, quitting is highly recommended. Discuss smoking cessation strategies with your dentist or doctor if you need help.

Follow-Up Appointments

Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist. This allows them to monitor healing, ensure the temporary filling or crown is functioning properly, and address any concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don’t Put Off the Treatment You Need

Root canal treatments may seem intimidating, but with the correct information and a qualified dentist, it can be a safe and effective way to treat various dental problems. By understanding what it is, how it’s done, and when necessary, you can make informed decisions about your dental health and get the care you need to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Call our San Diego, CA, dental practice at (858) 732-3155 to schedule a consultation. We welcome patients in Chula Vista, Mission Heights, and Lincoln Hills.