About Root Canal Treatment

What is Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?

Root canal treatment is commonly known as a root filling or endodontics. Contrary to popular belief, RCT is not usually painful.

This procedure involves removing damaged or dead pulp and filling the space that is left behind.

At Excel Dental Care we use the latest and most effective local anesthetics and Root Canal Treatment equipment to ensure pain free.

Why may I need Root Canal Treatment?

All teeth have a central core known as the pulp, containing nerve fibers and small blood vessels. This pulp also extends into each root of the teeth.

If the pulp is irreversibly damaged (e.g. through trauma or decay) it can die and cause toothache and or infections such as dental abscesses.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

  • Root Canal Treatment can prevent or stop toothache and/ or infection.
  • Root Canal Treatment allows otherwise unsalvageable teeth to be saved and then restored  (fixed), with either a filling or crown.
  • Without Root Canal Treatment the tooth would inevitably have to be removed due to pain and/ or   infection. There is also a risk that the infection can spread beyond the tooth if RCT is not done.

 

Before and After Picture of Root Canal

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(323) 663-2050

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Root Canal Treatment - Frequently Asked Questions

How can I avoid a root canal?

Practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental checkups are the best ways to avoid root canal treatment. Brushing and flossing your teeth gets rid of dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause cavities. Regular dental checkups mean your dentist can spot cavities and other issues early on before they affect your tooth pulp.

What happens if I delay root canal treatment?

Putting off root canal treatment increases the chance that:

  • You’ll lose your infected tooth.
  • The infection in your tooth pulp will spread to other teeth.
  • The infection will spread to your jawbone.

Do root canals hurt?

Root canal treatment can be uncomfortable, mostly when your provider injects anesthesia into your gums and other parts of your mouth. Your provider wants you to be relaxed during treatment, so never hesitate to let them know if something hurts.

If you’re like most people, you’ll have less pain after treatment because it eliminated the infection that made your tooth hurt. Your tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days after treatment. That said, contact your provider right away if you have throbbing pain. Throbbing pain may mean there’s still infected pulp in your tooth.

How do I take care of myself after a root canal?

Your tooth and gums go through a lot during a root canal. You can help them heal by:

  • Eating soft foods for the first few days after treatment. (Think of well-cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, smoothies and yogurt).
  • Avoid chewing on your treated tooth if you’re waiting on your permanent crown.
  • If you smoke, try to take a break after your root canal because smoking makes it harder for your tooth to heal.
  • Brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing once a day.
  • Using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep germs at bay.

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