Root Canal

The Facts about Root Canals

Of all known dental treatment, root canal treatment (aka root canal therapy or RCT) may very well have the worst reputation. Many comparisons have been made between the root canal procedure and countless other unpleasant sources of pain.

The fact is, contrary to what some people may think, when a root canal is performed in the dental office on a non-emergency basis, it can be no less comfortable than a simple filling. When the affected tooth has not been treated quickly enough, and infection and swelling have set in, it becomes difficult to anesthetize the tooth, increasing the risk of discomfort during the procedure. However, the fact still remains; root canal therapy is among the most common, and most successful, dental treatments in dentistry today.

What is a Root Canal?

​In the very center of the tooth root lies the nerve, or pulp, which is typically protected by the surrounding tooth structure. When the nerve has been traumatized by excessive decay (cavity), a fracture, or some other injury, it becomes inflamed, infected, and may possibly be beyond repair. To save the tooth structure, and prevent future discomfort, the nerve must be removed and replaced with a sterile filling material. Under local anesthetic in our Saratoga dental office, the treatment is performed with fine instruments through a small access opening in the tooth.

The area is then sterilized and a permanent restoration, called a crown, is placed. Once the procedure is complete, the tooth is impervious to temperature sensitivity or pain, and it is considered non-vital, meaning not living. When the main nerve supply is removed from the tooth, it may become brittle.  To prevent the possibility of the tooth fragmenting, a build-up and crown may be recommended to maintain your tooth, and your investment.

Convenient Root Canal Treatment in the San Jose area

Generally, a natural tooth should be preserved whenever possible, and we know that prevention is always the first step to avoiding dental issues. When that is not possible, and more extensive measures are indicated, it’s helpful to know that root canal treatment enables you to save your natural tooth by eliminating the involved nerve.

Of course, the earlier you are able to address any dental condition, the better your chances of a predictable and desirable outcome.

If you feel you may be in need of a root canal, the first thing you will need to do is schedule an exam with a root canal dentist in Saratoga CA, such as Dr. Araldi of Saratoga Dentistry, so that the problem can be professionally diagnosed, and a treatment plan recommended.

We would love to get you out of pain and discomfort, and we believe you will be pleased by the outcome once treatment is completed, so please contact us.  We’ll eliminate your dental pain and discomfort quickly!