Root Canal
At Vanek Dentistry, we regularly perform a root canal endodontic treatment in order to remove infections and save our patients’ teeth. Dr. Vanek completes the procedure while working to keep patients comfortable. Root canals are a common procedure, If you are currently experiencing tooth pain, we invite you to schedule an appointment and see if you need a root canal endodontic treatment.
Why do most people need a root canal?
When a tooth becomes infected, that infection can spread into the center of the tooth. This area is called the dental pulp. Inside of the dental pulp is the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. All of the sensitive areas of the tooth are contained here. As such, when the area becomes infected it can be incredibly painful, requiring immediate treatment.
The Root Canal Process
A root canal endodontic procedure works by creating a small hole in the tooth so that all of the infected areas can be removed. The dental pulp is removed, and oftentimes so are the roots. You only need your tooth roots to feel sensations like hot and cold and for the tooth to grow in. Once it has fully matured, removing the roots will not directly harm the tooth. It can, however, prevent the further spread of infection so when it is necessary to remove the roots; we promptly do so. Once done, we will clean the area to ensure that the infection is gone. Dr. Vanek will typically prescribe antibiotics, as well. This ensures that any lingering infection is eliminated.
In order to complete the root canal, we will seal up the hole and area where the dental pulp used to be. This is typically done with something called gutta-percha. This is a rubber-like substance that can help to stabilize the tooth now that a portion is missing. At Vanek Dentistry, we will then use a filling or crown in order to further strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. Both fillings and crowns can now be created in a tooth-color. This means that regardless of where your infected tooth is located, a crown can be used, and it will blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
We work to help patients to feel comfortable during their root canal endodontics procedure by using sedation dentistry. We have a variety of ways that we can eliminate both discomfort and anxiety during a root canal. Whether a patient needs to take something ahead of time to relax or medication to numb the specific area that is being worked on, Dr. Vanek can provide painless dentistry and help patients enjoy their dental treatments.
Will my tooth be ok after a root canal procedure?
Once the root canal has been completed, and the filling or crown is in place; it is possible to eat like normal and without restrictions. With the infection is gone, and the tooth is strengthened, it will behave like it used to. That makes it possible to bite down with normal force, chew, and maintain normal activities without worrying about the tooth.
Will my tooth look different after having a root canal procedure?
A restored tooth will look completely natural if a tooth-colored crown or filling is used to restore it. In fact, crowns can be created in the exact shade of the surrounding teeth so that it blends in perfectly. This way no one will know that you ever had a procedure completed. If, in fact, you had a root canal done previously, you may want to have the filling or crown around it replaced with today’s version for an improved appearance.
Warning
If you have an infected tooth and don’t have a root canal endodontics procedure completed, the infected tooth will likely need to be pulled. This is essential for preventing the spread of infection. Once the tooth is removed it will need to be replaced. The options for doing so involve wearing a denture, getting a dental bridge or having dental implants installed. These are all viable solutions but take additional time, and the recovery period is longer since the procedures will take several steps.
Make an Appointment
If you are ready to trust Vanek Dentistry with your dental care please call (714) 545-7157, click the chat button in the bottom right corner of your screen or fill out our Booking Form to make an appointment.