Root Canal Therapy - Wildomar, CA
As a comprehensive dental care provider, Velk Family Dentistry also provides in-office root canal therapy to residents of Wildomar and surrounding communities. With high level training and equipment, we offer endodontic therapy as a predictable alternative to the extraction of a tooth and the subsequent need for implant placement.
Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gum
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Sometimes no symptoms are present
Reasons for root canal therapy:
- Deep decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Tooth cracks or chips extend to affect the pulp
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
- Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
What does root canal therapy involve?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of sterile root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, it will be sealed with a biocompatible material. Your root canal visit will be concluded with the placement of a final restoration. Most teeth that have root canal treatment require a crown (cap) to be placed in order to protect the tooth, prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
In some instances, root canal therapy is unable to be completed at the initial visit. At this time, medication will be placed inside of the tooth and covered by a temporary filling. Additional appointments may be necessary to complete the root canal therapy.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
