This post from Weston Spencer DDS in La Jolla addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the root canal.
If you find out you need a root canal, don’t panic. When we recommend this procedure, it’s to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth.
Why do people fear root canals? Simple: they have the reputation of being extremely painful. But in most cases, the patient is already in pain because of the damaged or infected tooth. Root canals will eliminate that pain.
And the procedure itself? The area being treated is completely numb thanks to local anesthetics.
Root Canal Therapy
During the root canal procedure, we remove the pulp inside the affected tooth. You may think of a tooth as bone-like, but in reality there is a soft pulp inside. It surrounds the nerves and blood vessels within.
When this pulp is damaged or infected it leads to a lot of pain, as well as a darkened apperarance. Once we have removed it, the space it leaves is filled and the tooth is sealed. Then it’s covered with a crown, which protects it and gives it a natural look.
Some patients report tenderness or pain in the days immediately after the procedure. But it’s usually minimal, and easily controlled with over-the-counter pain medication, what you may already have in the medicine chest at home.
At Weston Spencer DDS in La Jolla a root canal is nothing to fear. Patients from Solano Beach, Del Mar, and Claremont also come to our practice for a full range of cosmetic dentistry services. Call to schedule an appointment with us today!
Contact Weston Spencer DDS – Conservative Comprehensive Dentistry:
858-683-1301
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
7855 Fay Avenue Suite 110
La Jolla, California
92037