Serious dental pain or discomfort is often the result of a deeper infection near the roots of a tooth. These infections may be the result of deep dental decay or advanced gum disease, but they can also occur due to accidents that leave deeper areas of the tooth exposed and vulnerable to bacteria.
Root canals treatment at Advanced Dentistry by Design offer an effective solution for severely infected teeth. You can avoid extraction, tooth loss, and other detrimental dental conditions that can develop as a result of an untreated infection. Dr. Khouri has extensive experience in root canal therapy, so every one of our root canal patients can enjoy exceptional, skilled, and surprisingly comfortable treatment that protects and restores their smiles.
What Is a Root Canal?
Root canal procedures address dental infections found deep in the root or pulp of a tooth. When any of your teeth demonstrate the signs and symptoms of a significant infection, the dentist may recommend root canal therapy.
The following are symptoms of tooth infection:
- Tooth pain.
- Increased tooth sensitivity.
- Swollen gums.
- Unusually gray tooth discoloration.
- Tender gums or abscesses.
- Fluid from or near the tooth.
- Jaw or facial pain.
The diseased tooth is repaired by clearing out harmful bacteria and any significant damage. Next, the dentist will fill the dental canal with safe, durable material to protect the tooth from further damage. A root canal restores the shape and strength of a tooth.
What You Can Expect From a Root Canal
During your root canal procedure, you can expect a series of relatively simple steps during your treatment:
- Preparation: The dentist will begin by numbing the area with an effective anesthetic. The dental team will then place a small rubber appliance around the tooth to keep the treatment area clean and dry.
- Cleaning: The infected tissue is then cleared from the affected root canals and pulp chamber of the tooth. The dentist applies cleaning and disinfecting solutions to treat the infection and eliminate bacteria.
- Shaping: To accommodate the filling, the dentist carefully smooths the area to ready the tooth canals for the material. The dentist will apply more antibacterial solution after the tooth is shaped and prepared for the filling.
- Filling: A rubbery solution is used to seal the dental canals and keep bacteria out of the tooth. Adhesive cement seals the area, as well as the areas used to access the root canals and pulp chambers.
- Healing: You will receive additional antibiotics aftercare instructions. Many patients experience discomfort in the first few days after the treatment, but over-the-counter pain medications generally relieve all unpleasantness after the procedure.
In some cases, a root canal procedure may require a dental crown placed on the tooth at a later appointment. These crowns support the structure and stability of the tooth and are designed to blend into the rest of the surrounding teeth.
New Laser Technology Is the Best for Root Canal Procedure Success
Traditional root canal techniques are made more effective with the use of laser dentistry. Rather than typical dental tools, a specialized laser is used to open the tooth, clear the infection, and sterilize the area with precision and accuracy. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, this treatment is far less abrasive to the tooth, which results in decreased discomfort and a shorter healing time after the procedure.
Laser Root Canal Treatment at Advanced Dentistry by Design
Advanced Dentistry by Design offers laser-assisted root canal treatments to our patients because of their ability to produce a faster, safer, and more effective experience when healing and restoring an infected tooth. Laser dentistry increases the likelihood that the dentist can preserve a larger area of your natural tooth structure and makes the treatment experience more comfortable.
Are Root Canals Painful? Do Root Canals Hurt?
Root canal therapy has a reputation for being highly painful. Contrary to popular belief, root canals are no more painful than other common dental procedures. Any pain involved during the procedure is generally due to the infection rather than the treatment itself. Root canals relieve more pain and discomfort than they ever cause.
Though some patients may experience some mild discomfort, pressure, or tenderness during the treatment, our team does everything we can to make sure you are completely numb and as comfortable as possible. We offer a variety of patient amenities to boost your comfort, and will only work at a pace that is agreeable to you.
Experiencing Symptoms of a Toothache or Tooth Infection?
As soon as you suspect a tooth infection, you should seek treatment to stop the problem in its tracks. When performed as early as possible, root canals can save a tooth that may have otherwise grown so infected it was beyond saving and needed extraction. Our root canal treatments can extend the life of an affected tooth and prevent further dental intervention down the road.
How Much Is a Root Canal? How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?
The cost of root canal procedures varies due to several factors:
- The severity of the infection.
- The health of the tooth.
- The tooth’s location in the mouth.
- Whether a crown is required.
- Any insurance coverage.
We offer advanced root canal treatments at our San Jose, CA dentist office at an exceptional value. We accept a variety of payment options and offer financing to allow patients in all budget ranges the opportunity to receive exceptional care.
How Long Do Root Canals Take?
Whether the infection in your tooth is moderate or severe, root canal treatments generally do not take more than 30-60 minutes. If the treatment requires more intervention, it may take 90 minutes or two separate appointments. Our dentists have the experience that allows them to complete root canal treatment quickly and completely.
Don’t Delay–Call Us at Advanced Dentistry by Design Today!
Wondering if you need to see a root canal dentist to heal a toothache or dental discomfort? Give us a call to speak with our team about your options and schedule a consultation.