How endodontic (root canal) treatment in West Hills Los Angeles, CA can save your tooth

Do you suffer from chronic or recurring toothaches? Does it hurt when you drink something hot or cold, or when you bite down? If so, you may need endodontic treatment, commonly called a root canal procedure. Do not worry. When you choose Royal Dental Practice, the procedure is gentle and comfortable. Furthermore, it can save the natural tooth and help you avoid extraction.

Why root canal treatment may be needed

Teeth are not as hard and solid as they might appear. When you look at a tooth, what you see is enamel, which is just a thin layer. Beneath that is dentin, which is also solid though not as hard as enamel. In the middle is fragile soft tissue, known as dental pulp. If the hard outer layers are damaged, bacteria can find its way to the pulp, causing tooth infection.

Injured or infected dental pulp can cause severe tooth pain, due to nerve inflammation. Additionally, the infection can spread into surrounding tissues, including the bone that supports your tooth. Without treatment, the tooth will eventually fall out or the damage will become so severe that it requires extraction.

About the procedure

Before beginning, the tooth is numbed with local anesthetic. During the procedure, you might feel a little pressure, but it should not hurt at all. However, we also offer oral sedation that can help you relax if you feel nervous.

The steps of the root canal procedure include:

• First your dentist will create a small opening in the upper part of the tooth.
• We use specialized instruments to reach through the opening and remove all the injured tissue and infection.
• The chambers and canals inside the tooth are sterilized to kill any lingering infection.
• The inner tooth is filled with a rubber material that seals our bacteria, preventing new infection.

Restoring your tooth

After a root canal procedure, your tooth will be healthy and free of infection. However, it may be a bit fragile. Therefore, we generally recommend a dental crown as the final step. It will fully restore the appearance, structure, and functionality of your tooth, as well as protecting it from damage.

Do not suffer with dental pain

If you have frequent or constant toothaches, and other dental concerns, a solution is just a phone call away. Please contact Royal Dental Practice at (818) 334-6655 today.