Root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is a type of restorative procedure that repairs infected or dying teeth from the inside. Rather than patch over the outer surfaces of damaged teeth, root canals treat abscesses and pain at their source: the dental nerve. Visited us for trusted and gentle root canal therapy in Rohnert Park.
When Do You Need A Root Canal?
Endodontic treatment is often the last line of defense when it comes to saving badly damaged teeth. If a tooth shows signs of significant structural damage, decay, or abscessing, the nerve inside of it is compromised. Covering the tooth with a crown would simply trap bacteria inside of the tooth, leading to recurring abscesses. Instead, the dying nerve tissue needs to be removed and the tooth sealed off to prevent reinfection. That’s exactly what root canal therapy provides. Without one, the tooth will continue to decompose until extraction is the only option left.
During your exam, we’ll take a high-resolution digital X-ray to determine the extent of any decay or abscessing to help you decide whether a root canal is required.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
Modern endodontic therapy is more efficient and gentler than ever. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and comfortable techniques, our Rohnert Park dentist can complete your root canal treatment in a manner similar to getting other routine dental work completed.
Plus, you can always elect to add sedation to your appointment if you want extra peace of mind. Root canal therapy helps to eliminate the source of tooth pain, and not cause additional discomfort.
What To Expect During The Procedure
At your root canal appointment, we’ll gently numb the tooth being treated so that you won’t have to feel anything other than a small amount of pressure. A small access point is made to reach the infected nerve tissues and remove them from the center of the tooth. From there, we clean the hollow canals, medicate them, and seal them off to prevent reinfection. Since there are no remaining nerve tissues, your tooth won’t be responsive to any stimuli after the procedure is complete.
Some Things To Keep In Mind
Although endodontically-treated teeth are no longer “alive” per se, they can still succumb to wear or decay. We recommend flossing and brushing your tooth daily to keep the area healthy. Additionally, all root canal-treated teeth will also require a protective crown to minimize the risk of breakage due to their brittle enamel. A crown will help distribute the biting pressure evenly across your tooth, allowing it to function at its full potential for several more years.
Get An Honest Opinion
At Sonoma Smiles, our highly experienced Rohnert Park dentist treats your smile the same way we would our own. Your comfort and long-term results are vital to us. Contact our office today to reserve a consultation.
