Location
2165 Fourth St. Ste B,
Livermore, CA 94550
At Smiles by Design, during a root canal, our dentist will clean out the inside of an infected tooth by removing the pulp and nerves inside. The tooth's interior is thoroughly cleaned and then sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This procedure is often the best way to save teeth that would otherwise need to be removed.
When an infection begins in your tooth, it can cause a lot of pain. In some cases, the infection can spread to the bones around the teeth and cause inflammation. In these cases, the only effective treatment option may be removing the affected teeth to prevent the infection from spreading further. A root canal procedure can help prevent this by treating the tooth before it is too late.
Why is a root canal needed?
A root canal may be needed for various reasons, but it is usually required when the tooth has become infected, and the nerve has been damaged. When this occurs, the pulp of the tooth can become inflamed. This can be caused by tooth trauma or untreated tooth decay. The inflammation can cause pain and prevent the tooth from functioning as a normal tooth would.
When the nerve is affected, it can no longer transmit signals to the brain when something is wrong with the tooth. A root canal removes the diseased tissue from the tooth and prevents further damage from occurring. During the procedure, the dentist will also clean the inside of the tooth to prevent any other infection. Once the treatment is complete, the tooth will be restored with a crown that will protect it from damage and restore its functionality.
What happens during a root canal procedure?
During a root canal treatment, your dentist will remove the pulp, or living tissue inside the tooth, through a small opening in the tooth's biting surface. The dentist gently removes all infected nerve tissues and bacteria inside the tooth. Next, they will clean and disinfect the tooth, then fill and seal it to prevent future infections. Finally, they will place a crown over the tooth to restore its function and appearance. Generally, a root canal takes several visits to complete. Your dentist may recommend placing a crown on the tooth after the first visit to protect the tooth from damage due to chewing. A crown will also help restore the tooth's appearance and function.
A tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime with proper care. Visit Smiles by Design at 2165 Fourth St. Ste B, Livermore, CA 94550, or call (925) 443-4182 to set up a consultation if you are experiencing any pain or pressure in your teeth.
Office Hours
MON - THU7:00 am-4:00 pm
FRI - SUNClosed
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