Root Canal - Gilroy, CA

Is A Root Canal Necessary?

Why You May Need a Root Canal

At Gilroy Dental Associates, we regularly perform a root canal endodontic treatment in order to remove infections and save our patients’ teeth. We can complete the procedure and work to keep patients comfortable. Root canals are a common procedure. If you live in the Gilroy area and are currently experiencing tooth pain, we invite you to call (408) 842-2818 to schedule an appointment and see if you need a root canal endodontic treatment.

Why do most people need a root canal?

When a tooth becomes infected, that infection can spread into the center of the tooth. This area is called the dental pulp. Inside of the dental pulp is the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. All of the sensitive areas of the tooth are contained here. As such, when the area becomes infected it can be incredibly painful, requiring immediate treatment. We can perform a root canal quickly on people living in and around the Gilroy area.

How does the treatment work?

A root canal endodontic procedure works by creating a small hole in the tooth so that all of the infected areas can be removed. The dental pulp is removed, and oftentimes so are the roots. You only need your tooth roots to feel sensations like hot and cold and for the tooth to grow in. Once it has fully matured, removing the roots will not directly harm the tooth. It can, however, prevent the further spread of infection so when it is necessary to remove the roots; we promptly do so. Once done, we will clean the area to ensure that the infection is gone. We will typically prescribe antibiotics, as well. This ensures that any lingering infection is eliminated. In order to complete the root canal, we will seal up the hole and area where the dental pulp used to be. This is typically done with something called gutta-percha. This is a rubber-like substance that can help to stabilize the tooth now that a portion is missing. At Gilroy Dental Associates, we will then use a filling or crown in order to further strengthen and protect the damaged tooth. Both fillings and crowns can now be created in a tooth-color. This means that regardless of where your infected tooth is located, a crown can be used, and it will blend in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Patients throughout the Gilroy area appreciate how natural their tooth looks once the procedure is complete.

Infected tooth and abcess

Tooth cleaned and shaped

Root filling replaced

Permanent filling or crown placed

Why should I have a root canal endodontics treatment?

If you live in Gilroy, CA you should schedule an appointment with us to discuss the health of your teeth, any problems that you may be having and what should be done to heal and protect the tooth. If it appears that a root canal is the best option, we will make this recommendation. If not, we will present a treatment solution that will solve your health issue. Overall, a root canal endodontics treatment is extremely effective for saving damaged teeth by removing any infection that may be there. This single treatment makes it possible for millions of teeth to be saved on an annual basis and once it is completed; eating and drinking becomes easy again.

What about discomfort?

We work to help patients to feel comfortable during their root canal endodontics procedure by using sedation dentistry. We have a variety of ways that we can eliminate both discomfort and anxiety during a root canal. Whether a patient needs to take something ahead of time to relax or medication to numb the specific area that is being worked on, we can provide painless dentistry and help patients enjoy their dental treatments.

What are the advantages of this procedure?

In the past, many people would need to have their teeth pulled if they became severely infected or the dental pulp became inflamed. Now, those same teeth can be saved by performing a root canal. This is a far better option because it keeps the natural tooth in place. This is important for the shape of the face because as teeth fall out the muscles in the face can start to sag. While this is not particularly common with the loss of one tooth, it is when several become infected and fall out. By treating and saving an infected tooth, we are helping to preserve our patients’ facial structure. Another benefit is that once the root canal has been completed, and the filling or crown is in place; it is possible to eat like normal and without restrictions. Once the infection is gone, and the tooth is strengthened, it will behave like it used to. That makes it possible to bite down with normal force, chew, and maintain normal activities without worrying about the tooth. This helps patients throughout Gilroy get back to return to their busy schedules. A restored tooth will look completely natural if a tooth-colored crown or filling is used to restore it. In fact, crowns can be created in the exact shade of the surrounding teeth so that it blends in perfectly. This way no one will know that you ever had a procedure completed. If, in fact, you had a root canal done previously, you may want to have the filling or crown around it replaced with today’s version for an improved appearance. Alternatively, if don’t have a root canal endodontics procedure completed, the infected tooth will likely need to be pulled. This is essential for preventing the spread of infection. Once the tooth is removed it will need to be replaced. The options for doing so involve wearing a denture, getting a dental bridge or having dental implants installed. These are all viable solutions but take additional time, and the recovery period is longer since the procedures will take several steps. Therefore, one possible solution is for us to attempt to save your tooth by performing a root canal endodontics procedure. To learn more about this option call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 and schedule an appointment.

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

Definition of Endodontic Terminology

Cementum

Cementum is that bone-like tissue that forms the outer surface on the root of the tooth.

Dentin

Dentin is the inner layer of the tooth structure that is immediately under the enamel and surrounds the dental pulp.

Enamel

The enamel is the hard calcified layer that covers the entire tooth and is subject to interaction with multiple substances.

Pulpectomy

A pulpectomy is a procedure that involves the complete removal of pulp tissue from the root canal in a tooth. A pulpectomy is a procedure that involves the complete removal of pulp tissue from the root canal in a tooth.

Pulpotomy

A pulpotomy is a procedure involving the removal of a portion of diseased or infected pulp in order to protect the healthy portions of the pulp and teeth still in the mouth.

Dental Pulp

Dental pulp is the inner-most layer of the tooth with connective tissue that contains blood vessels and nerve tissue.

Direct Pulp Cap

A direct pulp cap is a procedure in which a professional treats exposed pulp with a therapeutic material to help the tooth heal.

Endodontist

An endodontist is a specialist who focuses on treating issues, diseases and conditions that affect the inner-most layer of the tooth, the dental pulp.

Pulpitis

Pulpitis is another term to describe the inflammation of the dental pulp due to an injury or infection.

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