San Francisco Root Canal Therapy
An effective treatment to alleviate pain and save an infected tooth.
Root canal therapy is a crucial procedure in saving and preserving teeth that have become badly infected or decayed. When the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or diseased, it not only causes severe pain but also jeopardizes the tooth's existence and overall oral health. At Cable Car Dental, we specialize in root canal therapy, ensuring the removal of the afflicted portion within your tooth, and subsequently cleansing and disinfecting the area before filling and sealing to halt further infection. This treatment serves as a beacon of relief for those suffering and an effective avenue to restore both the function and appearance of the affected tooth, all while maintaining a comfortable and professional environment tailored to patient care.
Symptoms
Do I Need a Root Canal?
When a crack or cavity penetrates the nerve of your tooth, the risk of the tooth dying or developing an abscess significantly increases. Simply covering it with a crown or filling isn't viable, as this would entrap bacteria within the tooth, potentially triggering a host of complications. To circumvent the necessity for a complete dental extraction, the most prudent approach is a root canal procedure.
This process involves removing the infected nerve tissue and then inserting a specialized filling material into the root chamber, effectively sealing it and preventing further infection, thereby preserving the tooth's structural integrity.
common symptoms
Top Symptoms of Abscessed or Dying Teeth
Abscessed or dying teeth are serious dental health issues that require immediate attention. Here are the top symptoms indicating that a tooth may be abscessed or on the verge of dying:
Severe, Persistent Pain
One of the most noticeable symptoms of an abscessed tooth is a throbbing, sharp, or shooting pain in the tooth or jaw. The pain can be so severe that it affects your daily activities and may even disrupt your sleep.
Swelling in the Jaw or Face
An abscess can lead to inflammation, which might cause noticeable swelling in the jaw, face, or neck area. This symptom indicates that the infection is spreading to surrounding tissues.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Experiencing extreme sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages can be a sign of nerve damage in the tooth, often due to an abscess or dying tooth.
Bad Taste or Odor in Mouth
An abscessed tooth might cause a foul or bitter taste in the mouth, and often, you may experience bad breath, which doesn't go away with brushing or mouthwash.
Color Change in the Tooth
A dying tooth might change color, usually turning darker (gray, black, or brown) due to the dying nerves inside.
Root Canal Therapy
What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy
Undergoing root canal therapy involves a systematic process to alleviate pain and save an infected tooth. Initially, your dentist will conduct a thorough consultation, including an X-ray examination, to assess the extent of the infection.
On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to ensure a pain-free experience, akin to receiving a standard filling. The dentist then isolates the affected tooth with a dental dam, providing a sterile environment. The procedure progresses with the dentist creating an access hole through which the diseased tooth pulp is meticulously removed, and the area is subsequently cleaned and disinfected. Specialized instruments are used to shape the canals, which are then filled with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha to seal the space and prevent reinfection. The procedure concludes with the placement of a temporary or permanent filling to close the access hole.
After the procedure, patients might encounter slight discomfort, readily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most root canal therapies necessitate a follow-up restoration, such as a crown, to fortify the tooth's structure, typically scheduled in a subsequent appointment. The dental team prioritizes patient comfort and understanding throughout the treatment, offering detailed aftercare instructions and any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure successful healing and recovery.
COMMON QUESTION
Do Root Canals Hurt?
The perception that root canals are painful is quite common, but modern dental advances and local anesthetics have made this procedure far less daunting than it once was. In fact, discomfort experienced during a root canal should be no more severe than that of getting a filling. The procedure itself is meant to alleviate pain, not cause it.
Root canal service
Gentle Root Canals in San Francisco
At Cable Car Dental, we prioritize your comfort and confidence in your dental care journey. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our gentle, high-quality dentistry, suitable for all your oral health needs. Recognizing that dental procedures can be anxiety-inducing, we provide safe sedation options alongside our efficient and comfortable treatments, ensuring a serene and relaxing experience for every patient.
