Root Canals: How They Help and How To Avoid Them

Root Canals La Jolla
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Category: Root Canal

Root canals … almost everyone has heard of them and yet most people know very little about them. The dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design are experts at performing root canals and at helping patients to avoid them. Here, our talented dentists discuss the root canal procedure, and steps to take to avoid needing one.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is performed to rehabilitate an infected or badly damaged tooth. During a root canal, our team does everything possible to ensure that patients are safe and comfortable. First, one of our dentists numbs the tooth and surrounding part of the mouth. This ensures that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.

Once the tooth is numb, the dentist creates an opening on the chewing surface of the tooth. The dentist then uses small instruments to clean and disinfect the dental pulp, the soft tissue that is located inside the tooth’s root canals. (The tooth’s root canals run from the tip of the tooth roots to the crown.) Once the inside of the tooth is clean, the dentist fills the root canals with a rubber-like material to prevent future problems. A crown or filling is placed to help protect the tooth.

How Do Root Canals Help?

Root canals can save natural teeth and help patients get back to enjoying life. A root canal eliminates bacteria from infected teeth and can also help prevent reinfection. A root canal can help relieve patients from the symptoms associated with the infected or damaged tooth, including the following:

  • Tooth pain
  • Drainage and pus
  • Swelling in the gums or jaw
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Sensitivity to heat or cold
  • A chip or crack in the tooth

How Can You Avoid Root Canals?

A root canal is a safe and effective procedure. However, we encourage patients to take steps to avoid needing root canals if possible. The best way you can avoid a root canal is to schedule regular dental exams and to practice good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene includes daily tooth brushing and flossing. It also includes drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet.

Contact La Jolla Family Smile Design Today

If you are concerned about an infected or damaged tooth, please contact La Jolla Family Smile Design today. You can make an appointment with Dr. Jaime Breziner, Dr. David Vasquez, or Dr. Yael Kandinov by calling (858) 454-3044.