Root Canal Treatment
When the bacteria that cause cavities get deep enough, they affect the nerve and blood supply of a tooth. If you’re experiencing a severe toothache, it’s typically an indication that the cavity has progressed too far.
Most of the time, our patients in Ladera Ranch can be taken care of with root canals. We always want to avoid root canals if possible, but they are a great option to get rid of toothaches in that they solve the issue of bacterial infection for our Mission Viejo area patients.
How Does A Root Canal Work
The toothache from an infection stems from built-up pressure that leaves no way for bacteria to escape. Removing the decayed portion of the tooth with root canals and accessing the nerve and blood supply of the tooth is the only way to remove the bacteria.
Medicated solutions are used to clean and disinfect the root canal of the tooth. Sometimes it may take two visits to our office near Mission Viejo in Ladera Ranch to fully clean the tooth and systemic antibiotics may be necessary.
With modern anesthetic techniques, root canals can be done with very little discomfort. Many people are surprised at how easy root canals are today.
Is The Tooth Dead After Root Canal Therapy?Â
The nerve and blood supply to the interior of the tooth is cut off. Due to this, the tooth can sometimes turn grey over time. However, the ligament that holds the tooth to the bone is still supplied with blood, and the body still accepts the tooth as part of the system. It will function just like a normal tooth.
What Are the Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy
Here are some of the signs you may need root canal therapy:
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A toothache or tooth pain is the most common sign. Although many times there will be no sign of pain as the nerve has decayed away.
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A large cavity that does not cause pain is most likely a sign for the need of root canal therapy.
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Lingering pain for months on a certain tooth.
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Pain that wakes you up at night.
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Pain after drinking something cold or hot that lingers for more than 10 seconds.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Performing root canals gives you options for the long term. Saving a tooth with root canal treatment will help hold the bite stable. It will also hold the bone of the jaw stable. By saving the tooth, you can continue to chew and smile normally.
With Dr. Parker and the modern technology at Parker Dentistry, you can take comfort that you will get the most accurate diagnosis and an honest discussion of your endodontic options as well as the benefits of those options.
Please contact our office serving the Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita, and Mission Viejo areas to go over in more detail the reasons for needing root canal therapy and how it can get you out of pain and back to your daily routine again.
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