Dentistry for your family in Manteca, California Call now at (209) 825-6000 or click here to schedule an appointment

Home | Your Comfort | Your Convenience | Our Experience | Dental Services | Dentures

Root Canal Treatment

(Endodontic Therapy)

What is a root canal? Inside your teeth is an area of soft tissue called the pulp tissue. A tooth’s pulp tissue does contain nerve fibers. It also has blood vessels and connective tissue. Each tooth’s nerve enters the tooth at the very tip of its roots. From there, the nerve runs through the center of the root in small “root canals.”	Why do I feel pain? A deep cavity or crack can make the inside of a tooth infected or inflamed. The blood supply to the tooth may be lost and the tooth pulp may die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow and activity inside the tooth. Pressure may build within a tooth. This causes pain that is felt when biting down, chewing, or consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.	Why might I need treatment? Without treatment, the infection will spread. Bone around the tooth will get damaged. The tooth could fall out. The pain can get worse and worse.
What is a root canal treatment? Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the damaged or dead pulp. The canal is reshaped and filled with gutta percha, a rubber-like material. This prevents recontamination of the tooth. The tooth is then permanently sealed.		Who will do the root canal therapy? If we recommend a root canal, we will perform the treatment or refer you for treatment to an endodontist, a root canal specialist.
Will I need a crown? If your tooth is still weak, a post may be needed to help rebuild the tooth. Once filled, the canal area is permanently sealed. Finally, a gold or porcelain crown is normally placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve its appearance.	How will I feel after treatment? There may be some inflammation around the gum tissues. This can cause discomfort for a few days. Pain be controlled by an over-the-counter pain reliever. A follow-up visit to your dentist will help him or her review how the tissue is healing. From this point on, brush and floss regularly, avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth, and see your dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and exams.	Are there alternatives to root canal therapy? The only alternative to root canal therapy is to extract the tooth; however, this alone can cause the surrounding teeth to move, resulting in a bad bite. Though a simple extraction may be less expensive, the empty space left behind will require an implant or a bridge, which ultimately can be more costly than root canal therapy.

Home | Testimonials | Patient Education | Payment Options | Location | Contact Us

CONVENIENT EXTENDED OFFICE HOURS
Monday 830a-430p; Tuesday 9a-6p; Wednesday 9a-6p; Thursday 9a-6p; Friday 830a-430p; Every Other Saturday 8a-4p

www.smilesahead.us
We serve Lathrop 95330, Manteca 95337 & 95336, Ripon, Stockton, Tracy and
surrounding communities such as Del Rio, Escalon,
French Camp, Linden, Modesto, Morada, Oakdale, Riverbank,
Salida, Sonora, Valley Springs and Weston Ranch
Content and images © 2010 Smiles Ahead Dental Care. All rights reserved.