Find out how root canal treatment could protect your beautiful smile for life.

Are you experiencing a pesky little toothache? While you may be trying your best to ignore it, this is the last thing you should do. A toothache could be a sign of decay or an infection. Don’t leave this problem to the last minute. If your south Pasadena dentist has recommended that you get a root canal treatment then it’s time to find out more about your upcoming procedure and what it entails.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the damaged pulp—the inner structure of a tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue—from an infected tooth. The purpose of a root canal is to save and preserve as much as the natural tooth as possible.

Why is a root canal necessary?

Your south Pasadena dentist will recommend that you have a root canal if you have an infected or inflamed pulp due to an infection, severe decay or direct trauma to the tooth. Some patients won’t present with any symptoms while others may experience severe pain and even an abscess if the tooth remains untreated.

What should I expect when I get a root canal?

A root canal can usually be performed in one dental visit; however, a lot will depend on the extent of the damage and whether the damage is due to an infection, which will also needed to be treated.

This procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Once the anesthesia has taken effect your south Pasadena dentist will use a drill to carefully go through the harder outer layer of the tooth until we reach the inner portion of the tooth. Then we will remove the diseased tissue and clean out any bacteria or debris. If the damage was caused by an infection we may also apply an antibiotic. Once this is complete and all the buildup is removed we will start to rebuild the tooth using a rubber-like material known as gutta percha.

Most of the time, a tooth that has been treated with a root canal requires a dental crown to provide extra strength and protection to prevent further damage.

If you are experiencing a toothache, it’s time to do something about it. The sooner you seek treatment the better. Schedule your much-needed dental appointment with your south Pasadena dentist, Dr. John Chu, DMD and preserve your smile.