Category

root canal

May 30 2017
0

Root Canal Q&A

By | General Dentistry, root canal

Root canal therapy is no more complicated than most other dental procedures such as fillings or crowns. Unfortunately, though, the process has developed a reputation for being difficult and uncomfortable.

If the Manhattan Beach general dentist recommends a root canal, don’t let misinformation about the procedure keep you from seeking a root canal. We offer gentle treatment from a caring team, and if you need a little help with relaxing, we also provide calming sedation options as well.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is used to remove the infection or extensive decay from the interior of the tooth. The space inside the tooth where the pulp and main nerves are located is called the root canal.

If you already have an infection in the root of your tooth, delaying a root canal can allow the infection to spread to your jawbone or nearby teeth. If the tooth continues to decay, there will not be enough hard tissue left for a successful root canal, and we will probably need to remove the tooth.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The root canal procedure includes removal of the infected, decayed or damaged pulp, as well as the nerve of the tooth. The dentist then sterilizes the space and uses medication to speed healing. We then place a crown over the tooth for protection and stability.

How Do Root Canals Help My Oral Health?

Root canal therapy allows the structure of the tooth to remain intact, even though we removed the nerve. Although the tooth no longer contains nerve tissue, it is still usable for chewing. Also, because the tooth is left intact, it maintains its proper position, helping to preserve proper spacing between remaining teeth and keeping your bite alignment correct.

Please Call Our Office to Learn More

If you suspect you need a root canal or have a question that’s not answered here, please contact the Manhattan Beach general dentist for additional information or if you have any questions about root canals and how they can help save a damaged tooth.

Sep 24 2013
0

Root Canal Dentist

By | root canal

The first reaction most people have to thought of root canal treatment is anxiety, and with good reason. Until recently, root canal therapy was a long and uncomfortable process for the patient. But recent advances in dental technology and techniques at the office of the Root Canal Dentist Manhattan Beach, CA have made this treatment much more efficient and comfortable.

When tooth may become severely decayed, the decay can extend into the root canal. This is the area inside the root of your tooth that holds pulp, nerves, and tissue. When this happens, you will most likely experience severe discomfort and pain, and a root canal is necessary to save the tooth. A root canal may also be necessary if periodontal infection (gum disease) is not treated, allowing the infection to penetrate into the root canal.

What Does Having a Root Canal Involve?

Root canal therapy is necessary to completely get rid of infected material from inside your tooth. First we will numb the area being treated so that you feel no discomfort.  We can also recommend dental sedation to help with anxiety. Then a small hole is made in the back of your tooth to provide access to the inner portion of your tooth so the dentist can remove the infected material. After the infection is removed, we thoroughly cleanse the tooth. The tooth is then sealed and filled for protection. A dental crown is placed over the tooth to protect and strengthen it.

How Does Sedation Dentistry Help?

We understand that root canals can cause anxiety for many people. Our team is trained to use dental sedation to help you relax during the procedure. We may recommend nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas), which helps you feel very calm while we are treating your tooth. If you have a high level of anxiety, we can prescribe an oral medication to be taken before you arrive at our office. With sedation dentistry, many patients feel little or no discomfort whatsoever.

Only the Root Canal Dentist Manhattan Beach, CA can determine if you need a root canal. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort or your tooth is sensitive to touch, you may need a root canal. Please contact our office so that we can provide the treatment you need.

Jul 17 2012
0

How to Have a Stress-Free Root Canal

By | root canal

The thought of Root Canal Therapy can cause stress and anxiety, resulting in the patient putting off treatment until it becomes a significant problem. But fear and anxiety can quickly become a thing of the past when you understand that today’s dentistry sedation options can make the entire process of root canal therapy pain and stress-free.

Why do I need a root canal?

Root canal therapy is required when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, restoring the tooth to its full function. Root canal treatment performed by Manhattan Beach Painless Root Canal Dentistry is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime.

Why not extract the tooth?

Many patients believe that removing the tooth is the solution due to their fear of root canal therapy, but you must realize that tooth extraction is ultimately more costly, causing significant problems for adjacent teeth.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

The only person who can determine if you need a root canal is a dental professional, but some warning signs are:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Severe toothache pain
  • Swelling and/or tenderness

Once you experience any of the above symptoms, you must get to your dentist immediately. Procrastinating often creates a more painful situation than is necessary. Often there are no outward symptoms, so regular checkups and examinations will ensure that root canal therapy, if needed, is done promptly.

The more quickly the root canal is addressed, the more options you have for sedation and an anxiety and pain-free procedure. The Root Canal Dentist Manhattan Beach, California will be happy to consult with you about the details of the procedure, and our entire dental team is committed to providing a stress-free environment so that you will feel completely comfortable throughout the course of your treatment.