Root Canal Therapy a standard treatment that is painless and “saves” damaged teeth

According to the professional organization, the American Association of Endodontists, root canal treatment is feared more than public speaking or bad turbulence while flying on a plane. At Dhir Dentistry in San Diego, California, we know this should not be the case! The truth is this standard nonsurgical dental procedure is no more extensive or painful than a regular dental filling. Yet, no one complains about fillings the way that they do about root canal therapy. Additionally, gentle, safe, and pain-free root canal therapy has several benefits: 

  • It often resolves painful toothaches and other underlying conditions quickly.
  • Free of pain, patients can finally sleep through the night again, enjoy meals once more, and be able to concentrate on work or school without the aching tooth getting in the way. 
  • This process may be the only way to preserve a badly infected or severely damaged tooth, which is an important consideration. Extractions should always be a last resort procedure, with the notable exception of impacted wisdom teeth. We partner with our patients to “save” their natural teeth, as the tooth structure is superior to replacement teeth in appearance and function. 

As noted, the process itself is commonplace and straightforward. Dr. Sanjay Dhir uses a precise, localized anesthetic to numb the tooth. So, you don’t feel any pressure or sensation of dental instruments throughout treatment.

As the inner parts of the tooth are accessed, often painful pressure is relieved. We remove the diseased internal parts of the tooth. This pulp tissue is not necessary for health after a tooth has matured. The treatment site is also thoroughly cleaned. The root canals are then reshaped to “accept the nontoxic gutta-percha filling material. This step protects the prepared tooth, which supports healing and prevents reinfection. Depending on your needs, we may also prescribe antibiotics. Sedative methods are available at our practice to keep you most comfortable and relaxed throughout this quick process if you are apprehensive about treatment.

Generally, the treated tooth is restored to its natural and attractive appearance and function with a dental crown. The crown is made from information collected about your tooth. At Dhir Dentistry, we use only the “latest and safest” diagnostic technologies to support the most precise and comfortable treatment and the best treatment outcomes. Root canal-treated teeth are rebuilt and restored to last. Simply care for them with good hygiene at home and with regular visits to our practice for cleanings. Our hygienists can remove what a toothbrush and floss can’t (stubborn plaque build-up). 

Call (858) 358-5801 to schedule your appointment. Do not let discomfort and other symptoms get worse. If detected and treated sufficiently early into the disease process, we can preserve your tooth. 

Root Canal

Root Canal

Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.


FAQ

01

Root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) is performed by dentists if a tooth is badly decayed or fractured. If the tooth is not treated, the pain will worsen, and the other teeth will also be affected by gum disease, resulting in more decay. This can cause bone loss, swelling in other parts of the face, head, or neck, and even tooth loss.

02
  • Swelling/tenderness in the surrounding gums
  • Sensitivity/pain to hot or cold temperatures
  • Tooth or gum discoloration
  • Severe tooth pain with pressure or chewing
03

Root canal treatments have made dramatic progress over the last few years and now report success rates of over 95 percent. If properly performed, such treated teeth can last a lifetime, requiring very little further dental work.

04

These procedures are performed under local anesthesia and are generally no more painful than other common dental treatments like fillings. Some soreness, numbness, or mild discomfort could last for 24 – 48 hours after the procedure, as is customary with most dental work. Most patients find the infected tooth more painful than any post-procedure pain.

05

It is extremely safe and effective, especially when performed by a trained dentist or endodontist. Advancements in technology and techniques, equipment and materials, and pain management have made the treatment more predictable and successful. It is certainly safer than the alternative of tooth extraction.