You’ve probably heard a lot of myths surrounding root canal treatment. Fortunately, with the right San Diego dentist, by your side, the process can be smooth and comfortable. If need endodontic therapy in the San Diego area, it’s essential for you to choose a dentist who is experienced, knowledgeable, and caring. At Downtown Dental Specialty, we understand the importance great, comfortable care with a team you can trust.
Choosing the right dentist for your root canal treatment is the best way to ensure a positive experience (and successful outcome.) At Downtown Dental, we pride ourselves on putting patients first. If you need endodontic treatment or have an abscessed tooth, you can feel confident knowing that we’ll care for you the same way we would one of our own family members.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment is a restorative procedure that allows us to save a tooth that has become infected or severely decayed. Without this treatment, the tooth would likely need to be extracted. During endodontic therapy, our San Diego dentist removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth’s hollow, inner canal, then cleans and disinfects the open chamber. After that, we seal it off to prevent further infection. This treatment allows you to preserve your natural tooth for several more years. After the root canal, we also recommend placing a crown over the non-vital tooth to help prevent any premature wear or breakage.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment offers several benefits. First and foremost, it eliminates the pain and discomfort caused by an infected tooth. By addressing the infection, you can regain the functionality and comfort of your natural smile without having to worry about tooth loss. Additionally, root canal treatment helps prevent the need for more extensive dental work in the future, such as an extraction followed by dental implant placement.
What to Expect When Getting a Root Canal
The root canal procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Examination and Diagnosis: Our dentist will examine your tooth and may take an X-ray to determine the extent of the infection.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring a painless experience during the procedure.
- Removal of Infected Pulp: We will create a small access pint in the top of the tooth and remove the infected pulp from inside of it.
- Cleaning and Disinfection: The root canal chamber is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any bacteria or residual debris.
- Filling and Sealing: Next, we fill the root canal with a biocompatible material that seals the chamber off to prevent reinfection.
- Restoration: In most cases, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to provide strength and protection.
How Long Does a Root Canal Treatment Take?
The duration of a root canal treatment in San Diego can vary depending on the complexity of the case (some teeth have more roots than others, requiring additional treatment time.) In general, the procedure can be completed in one or two visits, with each appointment lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. However, we will provide you with a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
Alternatives to Root Canals in San Diego
In some cases, a root canal may not be the best treatment option. We will carefully evaluate your dental needs and recommend the most appropriate alternative if applicable. These alternatives may include an extraction followed by dental implants, bridges, or other tooth replacement options. It’s important to have a thorough consultation with a qualified root canal dentist to explore all available options and make an informed decision.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you need gentle root canal treatment in San Diego, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Downtown Dental today. Our knowledgeable team is happy to answer any questions that you have. Contact us now to take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free smile.
