Root Canal Therapy
Sacramento, CA
Root canal therapy, often feared but misunderstood, is an endodontic procedure aimed at saving damaged or infected teeth. If the thought of a root canal makes you uneasy, fear not! Dental technology, anesthetics, and root canal techniques continue to advance, allowing for treatments that are more comfortable than ever before. Dr. Chao and his compassionate team at Greenhaven Dental Care look forward to providing you with the exceptional care you deserve!
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside every tooth is an area called the pulp chamber, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Inflammation or infection of the pulp tissues can lead to severe pain and complications, including the formation of an abscess. Tooth pulp damage can develop due to deep decay, a chipped or fractured tooth, trauma, or damaged restorations.
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure designed to treat teeth with infected or inflamed pulp tissues. It is often the last resort to save a tooth that may otherwise need to be extracted and replaced by a dental bridge or implant. Despite what you may have heard, root canal therapy helps relieve tooth pain rather than causing it, restoring your healthy, functional smile.
What Are the Common Signs of Tooth Pulp Infection?
Signs of tooth pulp infection that may require root canal therapy may include the following:
- A lingering, throbbing toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Tooth discoloration
- Bad breath
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- A pimple on the gums that indicates an abscess
- Swelling of the face or neck
These symptoms do not always mean you have an infected tooth pulp. However, they warrant an evaluation by your trusted team at Greenhaven Dental Care. Dr. Chao will recommend the most conservative solution to relieve your discomfort and restore your healthy smile.
What Is the Root Canal Therapy Procedure?
We will start the process by numbing the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during treatment. Dr. Chao will make a small opening in the affected tooth’s crown to access and remove the infected or damaged pulp and carefully clean the inside of the tooth. Next, he will shape the root canals, fill the space with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha, and seal the tooth to prevent further infection.
Following your root canal treatment, we typically recommend placing a dental crown to strengthen and protect the treated tooth. We create custom restorations that look, feel, and function like natural teeth, delivering beautiful, healthy, and functional smiles. With proper care and maintenance, your root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime!
Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Sacramento, CA
Root canal therapy may have an undeserved reputation for being a fearsome procedure. In reality, the endodontic procedure is relatively comfortable, often comparable to having a cavity filled. At Greenhaven Dental Care, our cutting-edge technology and techniques and our gentle approach to dental care will help you feel comfortable and at ease during treatment.
We invite you to call 916-395-1900 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!
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