Endodontic Treatment: Root Canal Therapy
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy in Martinez, CA
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A toothache can be more than an inconvenience. Severe tooth pain or swelling in your gums often indicates that you have an oral infection. When it comes to infections or tooth decay, it is vital to seek treatment right away to minimize the damage and eliminate the cavity.
Root canal therapy in Martinez is a popular and effective treatment that targets infected teeth. One of the main benefits of root canal therapy is that it saves your infected tooth, so you don’t have to worry about extractions or implants.
Artesa Dental of Martinez is passionate about helping patients achieve their healthiest smiles. We offer virtually painless root canal therapy to alleviate tooth pain and restore your natural teeth.
HOW DO I KNOW I NEED A ROOT CANAL THERAPY?
The goal of root canal therapy is to eliminate the infection in a tooth before it can spread. Most patients will start to experience tooth pain when the infection reaches the tooth’s dental pulp or center. The center of the tooth is the sensitive area that consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues.
Tooth pain is the most common indication of a dental infection; however, other signs may also indicate the need for a root canal.
- Swollen or tender gums around a tooth
- Ongoing sensitivity to hot or cold beverages and food
- Pain while eating
It is critical to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you experience any significant pain, discomfort, or sensitivity in your mouth. Dental treatments are the most effective during the early stages of an infection.
What Happens During a Root Canal Endodontic Treatment?
Despite popular opinion, root canal therapy is virtually painless and typically does not require multiple visits.
During a root canal procedure, your dentist will create a tiny hole in the infected tooth. Then, they will use the latest tools in dental technology to gently remove the pulp or roots of your tooth. This process helps save your existing tooth while preventing the infection from spreading.
The roots are what make your teeth feel hot and cold sensations. An infection can make your roots hypersensitive, making it difficult to enjoy hot or cold foods and beverages. By removing the roots of an infected tooth, your dentist can clear away the infection and stop it from spreading to the surrounding gum tissues.
After eliminating the infection and completing the root canal procedure, the dentist will use a rubber-like solution called gutta-percha to fill and seal the pulp area. This filling protects the structure and function of your tooth following the treatment.
Once the previously-infected tooth is filled and sealed, your dentist will apply either a filling or crown for added protection. We can make your crowns or fillings match your tooth’s unique shape and color for a more natural look.
With an effective root canal treatment, you can save your natural tooth and prevent further infections.
What Are the Advantages of Root Canal Therapy in Martinez?
1. You Don’t Need Extractions or Implants
Before root canal therapy, patients experiencing severe toothaches or infections would need to remove their infected teeth. After removing the infected tooth, they would need to consider dental implants or dentures to replace the missing teeth.
Root canal therapy prevents the need for repeated dental procedures by saving your natural tooth in a single visit.
2. You Can Still Enjoy Your Favorite Foods
After completing the root canal procedure, your dentist will apply a filling or dental crown over the previously-infected tooth. This not only strengthens the tooth but improves your bite and allows you to chew foods as you normally would.
3. It Creates a Natural Look
Although the material used to fill your tooth is artificial, modern-day dental technology makes it look and feel like your natural tooth. Dental crowns can be custom-made to fit your existing teeth’ unique shape and color, making them look and feel natural.
4. Quick Recovery Time
Following a root canal procedure, patients will often experience sensitivity or tenderness around the tooth. Luckily, over-the-counter pain medications can help you manage these symptoms.
Any pain or sensitivity following a root canal procedure should only last a few days. However, if you experience ongoing pain that lasts more than a few days, it is essential to call your Artesa dentist right away.
Root canal therapy in Martinez can help patients alleviate their tooth pain and eliminate an infection. Call Artesa Dental of Martinez at (925) 370-9900 to schedule an appointment.