Root canals provide a quick, convenient, and virtually pain-free way to treat damaged or infected tooth pulp. Removing the pulp from the center of a tooth makes it possible to reduce future complications and prevent the need for an extraction. At Silicon Valley Smile Solutions, expert implant dentist Amir HagShenas DDS, FAGD, and the team boast years of experience performing root canals. To schedule an appointment at the practice in San Jose, California, call the office or book online today.
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that removes damaged or infected pulp from the center of your tooth. Tooth pulp contains blood vessels and nerves that provide nutrition to your teeth but isn’t necessary for their long-term survival.
Removing the pulp from your tooth minimizes pain, stops the spread of infection, and preserves your natural tooth for years to come.
At Silicon Valley Smile Solutions, Dr. HagShenas and the team use root canals to treat infected or damaged tooth pulp. Common culprits of pulp-related problems include:
Pulp damage doesn’t always present obvious symptoms. If you experience swelling, increased tooth sensitivity, or a sensation of heat in your gums, contact Dr. HagShenas and the team right away.
At Silicon Valley Smile Solutions, root canals take two appointments about a week apart.
Before recommending a root canal, Dr. HagShenas conducts an oral exam, asks about your symptoms, and takes oral X-rays. He then assesses the X-rays to determine the extent of the damage or decay and creates a custom treatment plan.
Once Dr. HagShenas finalizes a plan, he administers a local anesthetic. He carefully removes the pulp from your tooth, cleans it out with an antiseptic solution, and fills it with a material called gutta-percha.
When the gutta-percha dries, Dr. HagShenas takes impressions of your tooth with an intraoral scanner and sends them to a dental lab.
Before you leave the office, Dr. HagShenas bonds a temporary crown to the top of your treated tooth.
When the laboratory finishes your custom crown, you return to Silicon Valley Smile Solutions. Dr. HagShenas administers a local anesthetic, removes the temporary crown, and bonds your permanent crown in its place. Then, he polishes your tooth and provides care instructions.
After root canal therapy, many people experience mild discomfort and increased tooth sensitivity.
Dr. HagShenas and the team recommend taking over-the-counter pain medication and eating soft foods like yogurt or scrambled eggs for at least 24 hours to speed up the healing process. Continue to brush and floss as usual, but be very gentle around your new crown.
If your symptoms persist for more than a few days, contact the Silicon Valley Smile Solutions team.
To explore the benefits of root canals, schedule an appointment at Silicon Valley Smile Solutions; call the office or book online today.
