Your neighbor says she just had a root canal. You expect nasty details regarding a painful dental procedure. Instead, she tells you that Dr. 
Samuel Kim, her dentist in Apple Valley and serving Helendale, CA, performed a comfortable restorative treatment which relieved pain and other symptoms. She says her tooth feels and looks great. What is root canal therapy, and what signs tell your dentist at Apple Valley Dental that you may need it?
What is root canal therapy?
Some people call it torture, but in reality, root canal therapy is practically painless and salvages teeth destined for extraction. Also termed endodontic therapy, a root canal performed by your highly skilled Apple Valley and Helendale dentist removes the causes of tooth infection, inflammation, and breakdown.
Also, it preserves remaining viable tooth structure and covers it with a porcelain crown. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that most teeth treated with endodontic therapy last for many years--even the rest of the patient's life.
How does it work? Dr. Kim carefully examines the tooth in question, looking at its roots and surrounding bone with digital X-rays. If he confirms the need for a root canal, he'll prepare the patient with a local anesthetic. He'll place a protective dam around the tooth to keep infectious material from invading the mouth and throat.
Next, the dentist creates small access openings in the tooth. Each hole allows him to enter the root canals, the pulp-filled chambers which run down each tooth root (there can be four canals in all). He cleans each canal with metal files of ascending size and disinfects the chambers with special medication. Finally, he seals the canals with gutta-percha, a natural putty which supports the tooth and keeps out bacteria.
After placement of a temporary crown, the patient goes home to heal, treating the tooth gently over the next week or so. A soft diet and analgesics help with any discomfort.
At the next visit to Apple Valley Dental, Dr. Kim retrieves the temporary restoration and puts a new crown over the tooth. This completes the root canal.
Signs you need root canal therapy
If you ever have a tooth that just does not look or feel right, please call Apple Valley Dental right away. Signs that a tooth may be in trouble and require endodontics include:
- Sensitivity to cold, heat, or the pressure of chewing
- Reddened, swollen gums
- Toothache
- Jaw swelling
- A noticeable crack, chip, or discoloration of the enamel
- A pimple on the gums
- Drainage that tastes bad
Don't hesitate
If you think you have a sick tooth, or if Dr. Kim definitively says a root canal treatment would help you, please schedule your appointment at Apple Valley Dental in Apple Valley, CA, and serving Helendale. You can trust the skill, experience and gentle attitude of this patient-centered team. Call (760) 247-6007.