Exploring the Benefits and Process of Root Canals in Carmel Valley

Maintaining strong, healthy, functional teeth is crucial when it comes to a balanced diet and confident smile. When you’re faced with an encounter with an abscessed tooth or deep area of tooth decay, a root canal can help you bypass the risk of tooth loss. At Torrey Hills Dental in Carmel Valley, CA, our team of skilled dentists understands the importance of root canal therapy when it comes to preserving natural teeth and relieving painful toothaches. Unfortunately, root canal treatments still have a long track record of misconceptions when it comes to their purpose and benefits. You might be surprised to learn that today’s root canals are easier than ever.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

A root canal (endodontic treatment) is necessary when the innermost part of your tooth, known as the dental pulp or nerve, becomes infected or damaged. This might be due to deep decay, severe cracks, or trauma-induced nerve death. The dental pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If it’s compromised, it can lead to severe pain and discomfort, but most notably the death of the tooth. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and result in an abscess, leading to tooth loss and possible medical emergencies.

By performing an endodontic root canal procedure, the infected dental pulp is carefully removed, then the tooth is cleaned out, disinfected, and sealed off. This not only alleviates pain and discomfort but also preserves the natural tooth, preventing the need for total extraction. Preserving your natural teeth is essential for maintaining proper oral function, promoting healthy chewing patterns, reducing the risk of TMJ disorders, and prevents shifting in the surrounding teeth.

How Does the Root Canal Procedure Work?

At Torrey Hills Dental in Carmel Valley, our experienced dentists will guide you through the root canal procedure, ensuring your comfort and delivering optimal results. You can expect your treatment to feel similar to getting a filling or dental crown.

1. Evaluation and Preparation: During your initial visit, our dentist will conduct a thorough examination, which will also include dental X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine if a root canal is necessary.

2. Accessing the Nerve Inside Your Tooth: If a root canal is needed, we’ll use special medication to numb the tooth. In some cases, antibiotics may also be needed to reduce active inflammation. Once your tooth is numb, we will create a small opening in the top of your tooth, allowing our dentist to access the infected pulp inside.

3. Removal of Nerve and Pulp Tissues: Using specialized dental instruments, our Carmel Valley dentist will carefully remove the non-vital nerve tissue from the pulp chamber and roots. The hollow area will then be cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent recurring infection.

4. Filling the Tooth: After nerve tissue is removed, there is a hollow space inside of the tooth, extending through the root. Our dentist will fill this open space with a biocompatible material to seal the tooth off and prevent future infection. You can think of it like getting a filling that extends deeper into the tooth. Since the tooth is non-vital, you won’t have to worry about any potential discomfort after the nerve is removed.

What Happens After Root Canal Therapy?

After your root canal, you’ll need a dental crown to protect and reinforce the non-vital tooth. Otherwise the tooth may wear down prematurely or be more prone to chipping. We’ll create a custom-made crown that matches the color and shape of your natural teeth. About two weeks after your preparation visit, your permanent crown will be ready to install. In the meantime, we’ll have you wear a temporary crown or place a temporary filling on that tooth.

Schedule Your Appointment Are you experiencing severe tooth pain? Do you have an abscessed tooth? If you think you need a root canal or want a second opinion, it’s time to schedule an appointment at Torrey Hills Dental in Carmel Valley, CA. Our compassionate dentists will guide you through every step of the root canal process and be happy to answer any questions that you may have! Call us today to get started.