Root Canal

Although a root canal is often a dreaded procedure, it’s not what causes your pain; instead, it alleviates the pain of an infected tooth root to help save the tooth’s structure. At Dental Blvd in Mission Hills, California, Shant Terteryan, DDS, and the team of expert providers can diagnose a tooth that needs a root canal and perform the procedure so you feel better. To find out if a root canal may be an option to benefit your oral health, call the office or request an appointment online now.

What is a root canal?

A root canal procedure removes the infected pulp of a tooth and replaces it with a biocompatible material. This saves the tooth's structure, so you still have optimal function and appearance. 

The pulp is necessary for a tooth’s growth and development and contains blood vessels and nerves. But this pulp isn’t essential for its integrity after the tooth matures.

What are the symptoms that I might need a root canal?

Sometimes you’ll have no symptoms, and the infection at the pulp is only evident on an X-ray performed at your regular checkup. Signs that you have an infected tooth that needs a root canal include:

• Prolonged sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
• Tenderness when chewing or pressing on the tooth
• An abscess or pus drainage in the area of an infected tooth
• Discoloration of the tooth

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to contact your dentist to find out if a root canal could be an option to help relieve your pain.

Does a root canal hurt?

A root canal is performed under local anesthesia, so you feel very little during the procedure. However, it can leave you feeling a little sensitive and sore for a few days afterward. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can help relieve immediate discomfort.

If the pain lasts longer than a few days, contact the team at Dental Blvd root canal should alleviate the pain you felt from the infected tooth.

What happens during a root canal?

A dental team member at Dental Blvd numbs the area around the affected tooth. Your dentist then makes a mall hole in the tooth and scrapes out all signs of infection. They place a solution inside to kill bacteria and then add gutta-percha, a rubbery material, to fill the area where the pulp was. Then they seal the site, and the root canal is complete.

A root canal is usually fitted with a crown or cap to protect the vulnerable site. A crown is generally made from porcelain and matches the look of your other teeth.

For more information about root canals and to find out if you need one, call Dental Blvd or request an appointment online today.