Root canal treatment is needed when a tooth is severely infected or badly decayed causing pain and discomfort. At A2Z, we are the experts in root canals, always ensuring that our patients receive the very best treatment.
Read on to learn more about root canal treatments from A2Z Dental Group in Woodland Hills, including what they are, why you may need one, and how they work to rid you of the pain of infection and tooth decay.
What Are Root Canals?
A root canal procedure saves a tooth from severe infection or decay that would otherwise require its removal.
Teeth are made up of hard outer layers of enamel and dentin. These layers protect the softer inner pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it causes a great deal of pain and other dental problems.
During a root canal, the infected pulp is removed. Then, the dentist thoroughly cleans and seals the tooth area where the roots sit (the root canal) to prevent further infection. This not only alleviates pain but also preserves the natural tooth, allowing it to function properly again.
When is a Root Canal Necessary?
There are a few scenarios when your dentist will determine that a root canal treatment is the most effective course of action to save your tooth and protect your oral health.
You may need a root canal because you have:
Tooth Decay: Deep cavities can allow bacteria to reach the pulp, causing pain and infection.
Leaky Fillings: Old or damaged fillings can expose the pulp to bacteria and cause pain and infection.
Trauma: Physical injury to a tooth, such as from a fall or accident, can damage the pulp and cause significant damage to the tooth.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
You may need a root canal if you are experiencing any or all of the following:
- Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink.
- Pain when biting or chewing.
- A loose tooth.
- Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth.
- Pus is oozing from the affected tooth.
- A swollen cheek or jaw.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
If you do have any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your dentist for urgent dental treatment.
The Woodland Hills Root Canal Process at A2Z
Here is what you can expect from your root canal treatment at A2Z Dental Group in Woodland Hills:
Consultation
When you come in for a consultation before your root canal treatment, one of our expert dentists will perform a detailed examination to check the problem area and your wider oral health.
During the consultation, we will take detailed 3D X-rays of your mouth to assess the extent of the infection and create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Day of the Procedure
We’ll schedule your treatment once we determine that a root canal is the best action for us to take. Here’s what you can expect on the day:
Local Anesthesia
Your A2Z dental practitioner will administer a local anesthetic to the area so that you are as comfortable and experience as little pain as possible during the procedure.
Infected Pulp Removal
Your dentist will create an opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp, which will be carefully removed.
Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canal
The empty root canal is meticulously cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining bacteria and to prepare it for filling.
Sealing the Root Canal
The cleaned root canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent future infections.
Restoration
In most cases, a crown will be placed on the treated tooth to restore strength and functionality.
Aftercare
You may be a little sore in the coming days after your root canal treatment. This is to be expected, and you can manage the pain with over-the-counter pain relief medication. If your pain is prolonged, speak to your A2Z dentist.
You should avoid biting down on hard foods until your tooth has completely healed and maintain a good oral hygiene routine.
The A2Z Dental Group Difference
The dental team at A2Z Dental Group in Woodland Hills is dedicated to providing our patients with the best care possible. When you choose A2Z for your root canal treatments, you get:
Top Quality Treatments
Our dentists only use the best materials and tools during our root canal procedures, so you can be sure your tooth will remain healthy.
Modern Technology
At A2Z, we don’t use outdated methods. All of our root canal patients benefit from state-of-the-art 3D X-ray technology, which ensures accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Our modern approach guarantees safe and reliable results.
Personalized Care
Our biggest priority is the comfort and safety of our patients. Our dental team tailors all of our treatments to meet the unique needs of our patients. We always make sure you feel confident about the treatment we will perform.
Book Your Woodland Hills Root Canal
No one should have to live with persistent dental pain and the damaging effects of decay and infection. Root canal treatments from A2Z Dental Group in Woodland Hills, CA, address the issue head-on and preserve the outer tooth.
Make the most of our personalized root canal treatments and banish dental discomfort. Schedule your root canal consultation today