Endodontics
Each tooth is made up of several layers. The many layers of a tooth help provide protection and durability. Layers of a tooth include the outer protective enamel, sensitive dentine and an inner pulp. Inside the inner pulp is the tooth’s nerve. When a tooth is healthy and free from decay or infection, none of the layers are affected. By visiting your dentist regularly, your teeth can be checked for early signs of infection or decay and treatment can be scheduled right away.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
When tooth decay begins, it normally doesn’t cause any pain and is hard to detect unless you visit your dentist for x-rays and an examination. Left untreated, a cavity will begin to grow and move deeper into the layers of the tooth. If a cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, tooth pain can begin and your tooth will need what is referred to as root canal therapy. If your tooth isn’t treated in time, it may need to be extracted. At Smiles West, we will do everything we can to save your tooth from an extraction. Root canal therapy is a proven treatment that can help rid your pain and save your tooth.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy removes all of the harmful decay and also removes the pulp of the tooth. Root canal therapy can save your tooth from extraction and often requires a dental crown to protect the tooth once treatment is completed.
If you are worried about experiencing pain during a root canal, you don’t have to stress! With advanced dentistry, our team is able to perform a root canal that is virtually free of discomfort. Some of our patients have even fallen asleep during this procedure! Your endodontist will begin by ensuring that you are completely comfortable and that the area where the root canal will be treated is numbed. Then, all of the decay and infection will be removed from the tooth. The pulp of the tooth will also be carefully removed. Lastly, your tooth will be cleaned and sealed to protect it from further damage. Before you know it, your visit will be over.
If you are in need of root canal therapy in Huntington Park, CA, you’ll be in good hands at Smiles West!
