Root Canal Treatment in Burbank
In the past, when people suffered from a dead tooth or infection that runs deep in the gums and roots of a tooth, they often knew they were in serious trouble and the only way out was to lose that tooth. Today, modern techniques have made it possible for us to save tooth that has become infected or injured.
At BrightCraft Dental and Laser, we see severe tooth problems all the time. Patients with prolonged toothaches, extreme tooth decay and even sensitive teeth come to us for immediate relief and to save a diseased tooth. In such situations, we provide a root canal treatment, which is also known as endodontic treatment.
What is root canal?
✓ Beneath the gum line of your mouth is a part of your tooth known as the root.
✓ The root helps to firmly hold your tooth into your jaw.
Within each tooth is a pulp chamber.
✓ Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that provides oxygen, nutrients and feelings to the tooth.
✓ It goes down into the bottom of each root canal, which is why any infection in the root canal can cause severe damage to the tooth.
✓ Tooth extraction is one way to address this problem but at BrightCraft Dental and Laser, we like to see our patients keep their natural teeth for as long as possible.
✓ Our recommendation to health problems like this is a root canal treatment.
What is root canal treatment?
✓ A root canal treatment is an effective way to save a diseased tooth and relieve pain.
✓ It involves removing the infected or damaged pulp in the canal after which the canal is cleaned, filled and sealed to prevent infection in the future.
✓ Depending on your choice, we may also fit the canal with a crown.
✓ Root canal treatment can be a lengthy procedure depending on the extent of the tooth infection.
✓ However, it isn’t an invasive procedure – we simply make a small hole through the damaged tooth into the pulp chamber.
✓ Once this is done, we are able to clean the root canal and disinfect it from the inside.
When do I need a root canal treatment?
Sometimes, bacteria may invade the pulp inside your tooth and this may cause inflammation or infection. Common symptoms that a tooth pulp in your mouth is diseased and you need this treatment include:
✓ Unprovoked or spontaneous pain
✓ Sensitivity to hot and cold drinks and foods
✓ Pain when biting or chewing
✓ Loosening of the tooth
✓ Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
✓ Oozing of pus around the affected tooth
✓ Facial swelling
If left untreated, the infection may spread to more teeth and continue to cause damage. Also, the pain may aggravate over time to become unbearable.
What are the steps to a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a straightforward procedure and may involve more than one treatment. Here’s an overview of the steps:
✓ We administer local anesthesia so you don’t feel any sensations beyond mild discomfort
✓ We make an opening through the crown (top) of the tooth into the pulp chamber
✓ We carefully remove the pulp or remaining tissue from the pulp chamber
✓ We clean the root canal and then shape it in readiness for filling
✓ We apply medication to eliminate bacteria
✓ We insert a temporary filling so saliva doesn’t get into the chamber and root canal
✓ At the next stage of the treatment, the temporary filling is removed and the tooth is restored with a permanent filling to improve the appearance
Is a root canal treatment painful?
Contrary to widespread assumptions, a root canal treatment is a common procedure and it is virtually painless. The target area is usually anesthetized to prevent discomfort and pain, and even after the procedure, the discomfort is significantly lesser than that a tooth extraction.
