If you have an infected tooth, it needs to be treated as soon as possible. A root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp tissue, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and placing a dental crown over it. Root canal therapy is necessary to save an infected tooth from extraction.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that removes the damaged pulp of a tooth and restores the tooth with either a filling or crown to protect the remaining structure. The pulp is the soft inner tissue of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. When the pulp becomes inflamed due to infection, it must be removed to protect the tooth. After the pulp is removed, the tooth will continue to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Root canals are a common procedure for treating infections caused by tooth decay. If decay is left untreated, it may reach the innermost portion of the tooth, leading to an infection in the pulp. Pulp infections can cause pain and even lead to an abscess in the mouth. In some cases, the infection may travel through the bloodstream and cause other illnesses. 

Avoiding treatment until the symptoms become severe can result in the need for more extensive procedures in the future. A root canal can save your tooth from needing to be extracted by treating the infection before it becomes too severe.

When Is a Root Canal Needed?

A root canal may be needed when your teeth are severely damaged or infected. Damage to a tooth can be the result of an injury, tooth decay, tooth grinding, or a chip or crack in the enamel of your tooth. If the pulp inside of your teeth becomes infected due to decay or trauma, you may need a root canal to remove the infection and restore the function of your tooth. 

During your checkup, we can examine your teeth to determine if a root canal is needed to restore your oral health and function.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

For many patients, the most intimidating part of a root canal procedure is the injection of the local anesthetic that will numb the tooth or area being treated. However, endodontic therapy is much more comfortable than patients anticipate. Using advanced equipment in a patient-friendly environment, our dentist will make the procedure as painless as possible. 

The tooth and surrounding gum tissue will be anesthetized, meaning that it will be completely numb for the duration of the treatment. For particularly sensitive areas, such as the inner lip and the tongue side of the mouth, our dentist will apply extra anesthetic gel to make sure that the patient feels no pain during treatment. This patient-friendly approach helps most patients remain relaxed throughout the procedure.

After your tooth has been accessed, the damaged pulp will be taken out, the root chambers will be sealed, and then your temporary restoration will be placed. Once your permanent restoration arrives from the lab, you’ll return to our office for your final appointment to receive your new restoration. This procedure may require two separate appointments, but once your restoration is in place, you can enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come!

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (714) 635-5500 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 50 S Anaheim Blvd Ste. 94, Anaheim, CA 92805.