Root Canal Treatment in San Diego, CA

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure performed to treat infections and damage within a tooth's pulp. The pulp, which comprises nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, can become infected or inflamed due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, cracks, or trauma.

During RCT, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. This procedure alleviates pain and discomfort and saves the natural tooth from extraction. After RCT, a crown or filling is usually placed to restore the tooth's function and structure. Root canal treatment is crucial to preserve teeth that would otherwise need extraction, thereby maintaining oral health and functionality. 

Who Can Benefit From Root Canal Treatment? 

• When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, usually due to untreated cavities or dental trauma, RCT can effectively remove the infected tissue and prevent the spread of infection to surrounding teeth and tissues. 

• Teeth with deep cavities that have reached the pulp are susceptible to infection. RCT can treat these teeth by removing the decayed pulp and sealing the canals, thereby saving the tooth from extraction. 

• Teeth that are cracked or fractured can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection and discomfort. RCT can address this issue by cleaning the damaged pulp and sealing the tooth, preventing further damage. 

• Teeth that have sustained trauma, such as a blow to the face, can develop pulp damage or necrosis. Root canal treatment can be necessary to save the tooth by removing damaged pulp and restoring its function. 

• RCT in San Diego, CA, allows patients to preserve their natural tooth rather than having it extracted. This is beneficial as it helps maintain the tooth's natural function for chewing and biting and prevents the need for a dental implant or bridge.  

• Severe toothache or prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold substances can indicate pulp inflammation or infection. RCT can alleviate these symptoms by removing the source of the pain and restoring the tooth's health. Contact us today to learn more! 

The Root Canal Treatment Procedure  

Initial Examination and Diagnosis

• Our dentist in San Diego, CA, examines the tooth and reviews dental X-rays to assess the extent of damage to the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue). 

• A diagnosis is made to determine if root canal treatment is necessary. Common symptoms indicating the need for RCT include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the tooth, and a recurring pimple on the gum. 

Anesthesia

• Before starting the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. This ensures the patient remains comfortable and pain-free during the treatment. 

Isolating the Tooth

• A rubber dam (a thin sheet of rubber) is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and isolate it from saliva and other contaminants during the procedure. This helps maintain a sterile environment and improves treatment outcomes. 

Access to the Pulp

• Using specialized dental instruments, the dentist creates an access opening through the top of the tooth, either from the biting surface of a back tooth or from the back of a front tooth. 

• This access allows the dentist to reach the pulp chamber and root canals. 

Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals

• The dentist uses small, fine instruments called files to carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. 

• The root canals are cleaned and shaped using a series of these files of increasing diameter to remove debris, bacteria, and any remaining pulp tissue. 

• Irrigation with antibacterial solutions is performed throughout this process to flush out debris and disinfect the root canal system. 

Filling the Root Canals

• Once the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible gutta-percha material. Gutta-percha is typically used because it can be easily molded and provides an excellent seal to prevent reinfection. 

• The gutta-percha is placed into the root canals with a sealer to fill the entire length of the canal system. 

Sealing the Access Opening

• After filling the root canals, a temporary or permanent filling material is placed in the access opening created at the beginning of the procedure. This seals the tooth to prevent bacteria from entering and causing further infection.  

Final Restoration

• Depending on the extent of tooth structure loss, a crown or other restoration may be necessary to protect and restore the tooth's function and appearance. 

• A crown is often recommended for posterior teeth (molars and premolars) because they endure significant biting forces. A filling may suffice for anterior teeth (front teeth) if sufficient tooth structure remains. 

Follow-Up Visits

• After completing the root canal treatment, the patient may need to schedule follow-up visits to monitor the tooth's healing and ensure no complications arise. 

• X-rays may be taken to confirm that the infection has been resolved and the tooth has healed properly.  

Root canal treatment benefits individuals who want to preserve their natural teeth, alleviate pain, and maintain optimal oral health. Visit Mira Mesa Dental Care at 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd, Ste 142, San Diego, CA 92121, or call (858) 457-7747 to book your appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, pain-free mouth.