Root Canal Specialist

What is a root canal?

Root canal treatment helps save your natural tooth when the pulp inside your tooth’s root becomes infected or inflamed possibly damaging the nerves and blood vessels. There are many reasons this might happen, such as:

• Crack or chip in your tooth
• Deep tooth decay
• Having a faulty crown

Occasionally, there are no visible signs of damage to your pulp. Because of this, it’s important to understand the symptoms associated with potentially needing a root canal:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold food
• Constant toothache
• Tooth discoloration
• Pain in your jaw bone around the tooth

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, call Dr. Teodoro to schedule a consultation.

What can I expect during the process of getting a root canal?

The first step in your root canal treatment at The Dental Center of Hercules is for Dr. Teodoro’s staff to take X-rays and see if the infection spread into your surrounding bone. After that’s determined, Dr. Teodoro uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around your tooth and nitrous sedation if needed to keep you comfortable.

Afterward, Dr. Teodoro drills a hole into your tooth to clean your tooth’s canal and removes your infected pulp and other debris. Once the entire inside of your tooth is disinfected, Dr. Teodoro fills the hole with a biocompatible root canal filling and sealer. The last step is to create your crown and place it on your tooth. This can all be done in a single appointment.

Root canals usually take one visit, but how severe your infection is and the complexity of the procedure can affect treatment time.

What can I expect after my root canal?

After your root canal, you may experience tooth sensitivity, inflammation, or pain. If you do, these symptoms should go away by themselves within a few days. The good part is you can return to your daily routine the day after your procedure.

Your restored tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. Dr. Teodoro recommends you avoid chewing on hard foods as your restored tooth can break and harm the tooth’s root. In addition, you should practice good oral hygiene and visit The Dental Center of Hercules semiannually for your dental checkups.

To make sure your natural teeth don’t need an extraction, call The Dental Center of Hercules to inquire more about how a root canal can save your tooth. You can also book your appointment online.