When a patient comes to us with an infected tooth, then we offer treatment to prevent them from losing a tooth and suffering from the complications of tooth loss. To preserve the tooth and put a halt to discomfort, we may recommend an endodontic treatment known as root canal therapy. How does a root canal save smiles in Woodland Hills, CA?
The Dangers of a Decayed or Infected Tooth
A cavity is uncomfortable, leading to toothaches and tooth sensitivity. However, a cavity also grows over time, spreading through the sensitive inner layers of dentin in your tooth. Eventually, the decay could allow bacteria to reach the pulp, a collection of living tissues within the tooth that keeps it alive and healthy. At this stage an infection could arise that unless treated, could mean serious pain or even the loss of your tooth! If you begin to experience pain in a tooth, aches when you eat or bite down, swelling near the aching tooth or a discharge from it, then let us know right away. Treatment is crucial for preventing an infection from causing a unsightly gap to form in your smile!
The Root Canal Procedure
The root canal allows our team to open your tooth and remove the infected tissue from within. Next, we thoroughly clean the inside of the tooth and add a restorative material known as gutta percha. After the material cures, we cap the tooth with a dental crown. The crown is custom-made specifically for your tooth, a process that helps ensure a natural appearance. Your completed tooth should blend with the rest of your smile, no one should be able to tell you’ve had root canal treatment! This halts the uncomfortable symptoms, prevents tooth loss, and also keeps the infection from reaching surrounding teeth or the jawbone, which is another possible consequence of not seeking treatment for advanced decay or infection.
Single Tooth Anesthesia (STA)
Over the years, this safe and comfortable procedure has earned an inaccurate reputation as being painful. We want you to know that we always take steps to help ensure you feel comfortable and enjoy your visit with us. For procedures like the root canal, we may administer anesthesia with a unique piece of technology that does so with significantly less discomfort, known as Single Tooth Anesthesia. If you have serious anxiety about visiting the dentist, then we can also discuss sedation, which helps ensure you have little to no memory of your experience, and that you remain comfortable the entire time!
Do You Have Questions About Endodontics?
We can help preserve your damaged or decayed tooth with a single-visit treatment option. For more information on our restorative dental options, please schedule a consultation by calling Woodland Hills Dental Arts in Woodland Hills, CA today at 818-347-5124. We also proudly welcome patients from Encino, Sherman Oaks, and all surrounding communities.