When decay or other tooth damage causes harm to the inner part of the tooth, our Oceanside dentist, Dr. Farhad Sharifi, will likely suggest a root canal treatment to get your tooth back to good health and stop the flow of infection. If you think you might need a root canal treatment in Oceanside, California, please give North Coast Dental Excellence a call at 760-941-1414 for more information about the procedure.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. During a root canal procedure, the damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Root canals are usually recommended when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen as a result of decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Symptoms of an inflamed or infected pulp may include pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and swelling.
If a root canal is not performed, the inflamed or infected pulp will eventually die. This can lead to an abscess (a collection of pus) forming at the root of the tooth. An abscess can cause severe pain and may result in the loss of the tooth.
Who Performs a Root Canal Treatment
A root canal procedure is usually performed by a dentist or an endodontist (a specialist in treating diseases of the pulp). The procedure is typically completed in one or two visits. During the first visit, our dentist will clean out the infected pulp and prepare the inside of the tooth for treatment. A temporary filling will be placed in the tooth to protect it until the second visit.
At the second visit, the tooth will be permanently sealed with a filling or a crown (a cap that covers the entire tooth). Root canal treatment is successful in over 95% of cases.
If you think you may need a root canal, it is important to see our Oceanside dentist as soon as possible. The sooner the pulp is treated, the more likely it is that your tooth can be saved.
For more information about root canal therapy and to schedule a consultation with our Oceanside Dentist, please contact our dental office today and speak with a member of our team.