Are you looking for a quality dental office? At Ackerman & Towson Dentistry, our team is committed to providing the best dental care available. Our services include everything you need for optimal dental health. For example, we offer crowns and bridges, endodontics (root canals), dental implants, extractions, and even orthodontics in Brentwood, California. We focus on utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver superior results and an exceptional experience for every patient. You don’t need to be afraid of visiting the dentist anymore! With our experienced staff by your side throughout any procedure, you can feel relaxed knowing that your teeth are in good hands. Please book an appointment with us today at Ackerman & Towson Dentistry! If you need a root canal in Brentwood, we’ll help you understand its treatment, why it is required, what to expect during the procedure, and how to care for your treated tooth. Let’s get started making sure your teeth stay healthy and happy!
What is a Root Canal?
If you have a decaying tooth or an abscessed tooth pulp, Dr. Ackerman or Dr. Towson may recommend undergoing root canal treatment to save your tooth, prevent further complications, and help you maintain the natural function of your teeth and your smile. Root canal treatment may sound intimidating, but it is a standard and safe dental procedure that can relieve tooth pain and restore oral health.
Root canal treatment, or endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that aims to remove the infected or inflamed pulp (soft tissue) inside a tooth and replace it with a filling material. The pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, can become damaged due to deep decay, trauma, or other causes.
If left untreated, the infected pulp can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause pain, swelling, abscesses, and even tooth loss. Root canal treatment can save the tooth by removing the infected pulp, cleaning and shaping the root canals, and filling them with a biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha. After the procedure, the tooth can function normally and continue to support your bite and aesthetics with the help of a crown or filling.
When is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
We may recommend root canal treatment if you have symptoms such as severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, swelling and tenderness around the affected tooth, or discoloration of the tooth enamel. These symptoms may indicate that the pulp of your tooth is infected or damaged and needs to be removed to prevent further damage.
Sometimes, a tooth may need root canal treatment even if it has no symptoms but has deep decay or a crack that exposes the pulp. In other cases, root canal treatment may be needed before a dental restoration, such as a bridge or implant, can be placed.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment usually takes one or two appointments and is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort and anxiety. Once the tooth and the surrounding area are numbed, your dentist will create a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Then, using specialized instruments and irrigation solutions, your dentist will remove the infected pulp, shape the root canals, and clean them thoroughly. Your dentist may place medication inside the tooth to help fight any remaining bacteria. After the root canals are dried and sealed, your dentist will determine if a temporary or permanent filling or crown is needed to restore the tooth to its natural structure and function. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness or sensitivity, but you can manage this with over-the-counter pain relief, and it should subside within a few days.
How to Care for a Treated Tooth?
After root canal treatment, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene and follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure the success and longevity of the treated tooth. You may need to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods and using the treated tooth for biting until it is fully restored with a crown or filling. It would be best to continue brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. You should contact your dentist immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms, such as persistent pain, swelling, or discharge.
Root Canal in Brentwood
Root canal in Brentwood is a beneficial and effective way to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp and save your natural tooth. With the help of our advanced technology and techniques, root canal treatment is now faster, more comfortable, and more successful than ever.
If you suspect you may need root canal treatment, don’t hesitate to contact your trusted dental professionals at Ackerman & Towson Dentistry to schedule an appointment and look into your options. We are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care and treatment they deserve.