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(650) 780-9429 [email protected] 3752 Florence St, Redwood City, CA 94063 Office Hours8:00 am - 7:00 pm
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8:00 am - 7:00 pm
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
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Root Canals
The root canal present in every tooth houses the nerves and blood vessels. It is a central cavity that runs all the way down to the tip of the tooth root. A root canal infection is one of the most severe oral conditions that can cost you a tooth and upsets your oral health. At Future Dental, we perform a root canal therapy as the last resort treatment method to save a severely infected tooth from being extracted.
What causes a root canal infection?
Cavities: Cavities occur due to the microbes in the mouth. When a cavity isn't treated and restored during its initial stages, it can advance to the deeper layers of the tooth and eventually reach the root canal cavity. These microbes can infect the dental pulp and result in a root canal infection.
Oral trauma: When you sustain external oral trauma, the teeth may crack, chip, or break. If left untreated, microbes in the mouth may enter the exposed root canal cavity and infect it.
Gum diseases: Gum diseases are quite harmful to your oral health. They can affect the soft tissues of the mouth, the teeth, and the underlying jawbone as well. The microbes may enter the root canal through the roots as a result of deep gum pockets where they accumulate.
What are its symptoms?
- The infected tooth will look dull or discolored in comparison to the adjoining teeth. It will be highly sensitive to hot and cold foods.
- Due to the dental pulp's decay, patients may experience extreme pain while biting and chewing food, brushing the teeth, etc.
- The gums near the infected tooth could discharge pus and bleed.
- The gums and cheeks may swell.
- When the infection is left untreated for a long time, the jawbone could deteriorate, and the tooth may loosen from its socket.
How is a root canal infection treated?
The best way to treat a root canal infection is by removing the decayed dental pulp. The dentist thoroughly examines the teeth to determine the severity of the infection. If the tooth can be treated and restored by any other means, it will be discussed with you. If not, you will be prepared for the procedure.
The teeth will be cleaned, and a rubber dam will be placed on them. Using highly-precise dental instruments, the dentist makes a small hole on the tooth to access the pulp. Dental files will be inserted through this hole, and the decayed pulp will be extracted. Then using a jet of water, the cavity will be cleaned. Medication will be placed in the root canal cavity, and it will be restored using a dental crown to keep it from cracking or crumbling.
To know more about root canals, please schedule an online appointment with our dentists or call us at (650) 780-9429, and we will be happy to help. We also serve areas of Redwood City, Menlo Park, Atherton, and Foster City.