San Francisco and Marin CA
A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat severe tooth infections or damage and preserve dental health. Unfortunately, root canals are one of the most misunderstood dental procedures we offer, and many people feel anxious, if not downright scared, to have one.
Today, our family dentist in San Francisco is walking you through every step of a root canal to help you become familiar with the process. We hope that this information helps you feel informed, prepared and empowered if a root canal is in your future.
What is a root canal?
A tooth’s pulp is soft tissue deep inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures or trauma, a root canal can remove the problem at its source, relieving pain and preventing the infection from spreading. A root canal also saves the tooth by preventing further damage to it.
What are some symptoms that I may need a root canal?
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, be sure to call our Marin dentist who specializes in root canal treatments:
- Persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the source of the sensitivity is no longer in the mouth
- Tooth discoloration, typically a darkening or gray appearance
- Swollen or tender gums near a specific tooth
- A recurring pimple or boil on the gums, which may indicate an abscess
- Deep decay that has reached the inner pulp of the tooth
- Cracked or chipped teeth exposing the nerve
- A loose tooth due to infection
What should I expect during a root canal?
Knowledge is power, so sometimes just a little information is enough to help the anxiety that one may be feeling before a root canal. Let’s look with our root canal dentist in San Francisco at what you can expect during a typical root canal treatment:
Step 1: Examination and X-rays — our dentist will examine the impacted tooth and take digital X-rays to determine the extent of the damage. These X-rays and the dental exam will also help us tailor your procedure specifically for you and your situation.
Step 2: Numbing the area — Our Marin root canal dentist uses a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding gums completely. You will be awake during this procedure, but you shouldn’t feel pain.
Step 3: Pulp removal — Once you’re numb, our dentist will create a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the pulp chamber. Using special tools, we will remove the infected or damaged pulp.
Step 4: Cleaning and shaping the canals — The inside of the root canals is carefully cleaned, disinfected and shaped to prepare for a filling.
Step 5: Sealing the tooth — After cleaning, the empty canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The opening is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
Step 6: Final restoration — In most cases, you’ll return to our office for a follow-up appointment to have a custom-made dental crown placed over the treated tooth.
The big question: Is a root canal painful?
Have you ever gotten a cavity filled? If so, you’ll probably be relieved to know that most of our patients report that a root canal is no more uncomfortable than a filling. This is thanks, in large part, to modern dental techniques and local anesthesia. Patients may experience mild soreness after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few days.
What will recovery entail?
We will provide detailed aftercare instructions at the time of your appointment; however, here are a few standard practices we recommend after a root canal:
- Avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth until your permanent crown is placed.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
- Practice good oral hygiene to prevent future issues.
Root canal in the Bay Area
Root canals don’t have to be scary. If a root canal has been recommended for you to correct a broken or damaged tooth, do not hesitate to share with us if you feel anxious or nervous about the procedure. Our experienced, compassionate dental team is here to provide gentle, effective treatment that will help relieve your pain and protect your natural teeth. Call Glen Park Dental (415) 799-3900, or reach out to us online today.
