Root Canals in Woodland Hills, CA
Damage to your tooth, even a crack too small to be seen with the naked eye, can let harmful bacteria infect your smile. If that infection reaches the pulp of your tooth, the result can be damage to your smile and a great deal of discomfort. A toothache has a way of focusing your attention like nothing else, and if you are experiencing problems with your smile, call Kathy Cosmetic Dentistry at 818-347-1550 today to make an appointment with Dr. Kathy Daroee to see if you could benefit from a root canal in Woodland Hills, California.
The pulp of your tooth contains the nerves, blood vessels and tissues that keep your tooth alive and vital. It becomes infected and is not treated, you may eventually need an extraction to resolve the issue. However, as important as the pulp is, the structure of your tooth can survive without it. In fact, our dentist can use a root canal to save your tooth and preserve your smile. Dr. Daroee will first access the interior of your tooth and then remove the infected pulp. Then, she will clean and sterilize the pulp chamber to make sure no trace of the infection remains. After enlarging and sealing the inside of your tooth, the dentist will replace the pulp with a medicated material and then seal your tooth. Dr. Daroee will want to see you to check your progress and discuss placing a crown.
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a type of endodontic procedure recommended when injury, infection or decay reach the dental pulp, or innermost tooth tissues. Root canals involve cleaning out the infected pulp tissue within the tooth roots, sterilizing the canals, filling them with medicated material and sealing the tooth to prevent future infection. Most root canals can be performed comfortably in one to two appointments.
Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy?
Not usually. If Dr. Daroee recommends a root canal, then she believes that your tooth can be saved and restored to full function.
Is a Tooth Extraction a Better Option Than a Root Canal?
Tooth extractions are always the treatment of last resort. Our goal is to help you preserve and protect your natural teeth so that you can enjoy the best possible long-term oral health and function. For this reason, we prefer to provide a root canal rather than remove the tooth, and we will not recommend a tooth extraction unless your tooth is too badly damaged to be saved.
What are Some Signs I May Need a Root Canal?
Common symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal include:
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Throbbing or aching sensations in or around the tooth
- Pressure
- Discomfort or pain when biting
- Swelling
- An abscess
- Infection
- Fractures, cracks or breaks in the tooth
What is Root Canal Retreatment, and Will I Need It?
A root canal retreatment is the exact same procedure as your original root canal. If your tooth becomes re-infected following your initial treatment, our dentist will recommend a retreatment to save the tooth and prevent the need for an extraction.