Root Canals
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My Tooth Place
Aury Arroyo-Lourenco, DDS
General Dentistry & Cosmetic Dentistry located in Westminster, CA
Root canals treat a damaged or infected tooth by cleaning out the inside of your tooth and protecting it from suffering more decay. A root canal can save your tooth and keep your mouth healthy. If you need a root canal, visit My Tooth Place in Westminster, California. The team at My Tooth Place is highly trained using the latest technology to perform root canal procedures. Call the office or book a consultation online to learn more about dental care at My Tooth Place.
Root Canals Q & A
What are root canals?
A root canal is a dental procedure to treat severe decay or infection. Your teeth are made of several layers of material that give them strength and shape. Sometimes, damage, decay, or infection can develop in the innermost layer, or pulp, and the health of the tooth is at risk.
The pulp of your tooth is made of soft tissue and nerves. When it gets damaged, it deteriorates and bacteria develops. The bacteria can lead to infection or cause an abscessed tooth.
During a root canal, the team removes the damaged or infected pulp and cleans out the canal inside your tooth. She then sterilizes and seals it to prevent infection from developing in the future.
Root canals are common, routine procedures that can save your tooth. Most patients experience very little discomfort during and after a root canal. After your tooth heals, you will continue to care for your teeth by brushing and flossing twice per day.
What do root canals treat?
Typically, a root canal treats significant decay or damage inside your tooth. The pulp inside your tooth can get infected or irritated if you have:
- Deep tooth decay
- Repeated dental procedures on a tooth
- A large filling
- A chip or crack
Sometimes, trauma to the face can cause the nerves inside a tooth to die, causing an infection. Root canals remove infection to stop further decay and improve your oral health.
What can I expect during a root canal?
Dental procedures can sometimes be intimidating, but the team at My Tooth Place works to give each patient a positive experience. When you come to My Tooth Place for a root canal, you’ll find a comfortable, friendly environment.
Your dentist begins by injecting local anesthesia around your tooth to keep you comfortable during the root canal. They then make a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp and remove pulp, nerves, and infection.
In some cases, your dentist puts medication inside the canal to treat the infection. They then seal the tooth to keep debris and bacteria from entering. If necessary, the team can recommend other reconstructive procedures like a dental crown to repair the look of your tooth.
Most patients return to their normal activities within a day of having a root canal. Your tooth may be sensitive for a few days, but symptoms should fade quickly.
For expert, compassionate root canal care, visit My Tooth Place. Make an appointment online or by phone to find out if a root canal could be right for your oral health.
