Jan. 29, 2007, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills - Root canals used to be the most feared dental procedures. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, however, you may be surprised. The most feared aspect of a root canal is the anesthetizing shot. Generally, the shots are not very painful. In truth, you hurt yourself more throughout the normal course of your day.
Our team includes a highly skilled endodontist, a dentist that specializes in such procedures.
Part of this anxiety may be due to public perception that a root canal is surgery upon a tooth's nerve. Let's start with the definition of a root canal.
Endodontic treatment refers to the process by which a dentist treats the interior. Or the "pulp tissue" portion of your tooth. Most people refer to this pulp tissue as a tooth's nerve. While a tooth does have nerve fibers, the pulp also contains veins, arteries, connective tissue and lymph vessels.
The pulp begins at the crown of the tooth and extends to the tip of the root, located in your jaw bone.
The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. It lies within the tooth and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the root in the bone of the jaws.
CAUSE
An infected, or abscessed tooth, is caused by tooth decay. A root canal is necessary when the pulp is diseased or injured and is unable to repair itself. Cracked teeth or deep cavities are the primary cause of pulp death as they allow bacteria to enter the pulp. These germs usually cause infection inside the tooth, causing pus to build up at the root tip. This pus-pocket is called an abscess, which can cause damage to the surrounding bone.
Swelling occurs if the infected pulp isn't removed. Other aspects of the infection also can cause injury to your jaw bone. If left untreated, the entire tooth may need to be removed.
TREATMENT
One to three visits may be required for the complete treatment during which your dentist will remove the diseased pulp; measure the hole for creating your crown; fully clean the pulp chamber and root canal; and fill the cavity with a flexible plastic material. Your dentist then will place a temporary filling on top of the plastic material and topped with a temporary cap.
Your permanent filling will be installed once the site is clear of infection, usually within a month or less.
The restored tooth should last a lifetime, if you maintain proper hygienic habits, including daily brushing, flossing, rinsing and regular checkups with your family dentist.
Call top cosmetic dentist Dr. Mobasser today at 1.310.550.0383 or email us to schedule an appointment or to learn more about Root Canals.
Copyright © 2007 Sinai Marketing, Inc. and Dr. Anthony Mobasser. All rights reserved, 2007.
