Root Canal Treatment

When the words "Root Canal" come to mind, many often think of a dreaded painful dental procedure. However, informed minds have come to think differently. The idea that pain is innately linked to root canal treatments began many decades ago. With today's dental advancements, many people now feel that having a root canal procedure done is as painful as having a filling done. It is important to develop a better sense of what root canal treatments entail and how important they can be to your overall dental health because such knowledge will ease the pressure and anxiety that typically comes before undergoing the procedure.

When the pulp of the tooth has become infected or irreversibly damaged, root canal treatments are often the only way to save the tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels that provide a blood supply to the tooth. If a tooth that needs a root canal treatment performed is ignored, the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth can become infected and an abscess will form, causing pain and swelling. In extreme cases, the infection may even spread to other parts of your body.

Typically, a root canal treatment lasts one to two visits. Local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area. First, the decay is removed. Then, an opening is made from the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber, where the pulp is removed and the root canals are cleaned. Temporarily, a filling is placed in the crown opening. On your second visit, the filling is removed and the pulp chambers are filled with biocompatible material, then sealed.

To keep your teeth healthy, maintain good oral hygiene habits and remember to visit your dentist regularly. If a dentist determines that you are in need of endodontic treatment such as a root canal, they can refer you to dental specialists known as endodontists. Dr. Fay Mansouri provides quality endodontic care to patients in the communities of Irvine, CA and surrounding areas. For more information, please visit http://www.irvineendodontics.com.

Dr. Fay Mansouri - Irvine Endodontist