Root Canals in Poway, CA
Although root canals suffer from a bad reputation, modern dental techniques and advances have made the procedure easier and much more comfortable than ever before. Root canal therapy can make the difference between saving the tooth and having to have it extracted.
What is a Root Canal?
The root canal itself is actually part of the structure of your tooth. It houses the pulp and the nerve of your tooth. Occasionally, the root canal of your tooth can become infected to the point where it is not only painful, but is also putting the rest of your mouth at risk. This can happen for several reasons including trauma to the tooth, damage caused by decay, or decay that is occurring behind a filling. When this happens, root canal therapy becomes necessary.
During root canal therapy, we remove the root canal of the tooth along with the infected material, the dead nerve, and any other debris. We then use specially designed instruments to clean out the interior of the tooth and make sure that no infection remains. In some cases, we will also place antibiotics into the cavity as an extra precaution against further infection.
Once the tooth is cleaned out, we will fill the hole in the tooth with filling material. At AllDent Dental Center, we use tooth-colored filling, which will prevent the tooth from becoming discolored or otherwise noticeable. One of the other benefits of composite filling material is that it bonds to the inside of your tooth and makes it stronger from the inside. This is especially useful in the case of root canal therapy since the structure of the tooth is likely to become weaker. If necessary, we will also place a crown over the tooth for additional protection.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Without examining your tooth, it’s difficult to determine from symptoms alone whether a root canal is needed; however, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should call our office immediately for an appointment:
- Serious pain, especially when chewing or applying other pressure
- Swelling in the gum or soft tissues
- A persistent pimple on the gum
- Sensitivity to heat or cold that persists
- Darkening or other discoloration of your tooth
Dr. Chung will give you a full dental examination and may also take x-rays to find the cause of your symptoms. Once a diagnosis is made, he will go over your options with you and help you make the decision of which treatment to pursue. If a root canal is warranted, it is best to move quickly to relieve your pain and sensitivity and prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth.
Root canal therapy has a very high success rate, and the repaired tooth is likely to last you for the rest of your life. Despite its bad reputation, a root canal is typically no worse than having a cavity repaired. If you have any fears or concerns about your root canal, please let us know so that we can address them. Your comfort and happiness are very important to us.
Visit AllDent Dental Center in 92064
Contact AllDent Dental Center's office in Poway, CA with any questions about the root canal procedure or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chung.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Importance of Preventive Dental Care
Preventing dental problems is always easier than treating those problems once they have occurred. Brushing and flossing are easy habits to develop, and they are the best prevention against gum disease, which is uncomfortable and can lead to tooth loss. Many dental conditions are very painful, and may cause permanent damage to your smile. Gum disease and other dental issues have also been linked to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Caring for your teeth is an important part of your overall health care.
Contact Us in 92064
If you have questions about how to properly care for your oral health or if you are experiencing pain in your teeth or gums, please call AllDent Dental Center today to book an appointment at our Poway, CA dentist office.
There’s recently been some press that questions the need for flossing. It’s not that flossing is bad for your teeth or that anyone recommends you stop doing it. At AllDent Dental Center, we encourage all our Poway, CA patients to floss their teeth once a day as part of their oral hygiene routine.
And we can also tell you that no study exists that claims flossing is harmful. Most studies conclude that while the data to support the need for flossing is currently limited, the potential benefits outweigh the risks of not flossing.
Benefits of Flossing Daily
In fact, after the first article that questioned the effectiveness of flossing went viral, the American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement that flossing is still an essential part of the oral hygiene routine.
What does this mean for you?
Just because flossing hasn’t yet been proven to be necessary, it doesn’t mean it’s been disproven. Research continues in this area, and in the future, it may still show that flossing your teeth is beneficial and necessary.
Until then, your Poway, CA dentist recommends that you continue to floss your teeth once a day. You should back up your oral hygiene efforts with routine dental exams and teeth cleanings at AllDent Dental Center at least twice a year.
If you have questions about the benefits of flossing or would like to schedule an appointment at our Poway, CA dental office, please contact us, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Root Canal Treatment in Poway, CA
Dental technology has advanced to the point where most common procedures -- including root canals -- are practically painless. The condition itself that is causing root canal therapy to be necessary can be quite painful, however, and the therapy will relieve your pain and make you much more comfortable. You may experience some sensitivity afterwards, but you are unlikely to experience any discomfort during the actual procedure.
Contact Us in 92064
At AllDent Dental Center, your comfort is our first priority. If you are feeling anxious about pain during a root canal, our team can discuss ways to ease your anxiety and keep you as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Call our Poway, CA dentist office today to learn more about root canal therapy and to book an appointment with us.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Tae Chung DDS
Dentist
Dr. Chung attended the University of California at San Diego to receive his Bachelors degree in Biology before going to attend the prestigious New York University School of Dentistry. After completing his dental studies in New York City he moved back to San Diego and opened up a private practice to serve the people of San Diego.
Dr. Chung is constantly looking to keep up to date on the ever changing world of dentistry by attending continuing education courses. He likes to attend courses specifically on implant and cosmetic dentistry. ...
Featured Blog Posts - Root Canals
What You Should Expect during Your Root Canal
It started off with sensitivity to your cold drink, but it went away. Probably no reason to call the dentist - right? You didn't think twice about it until your tooth woke you up during the night with a severe ache! Now you need a root canal, and you're not sure what to expect. The good news is that AllDent Dental Center is here to help.
What is a Root Canal?
When the pulp, or nerve of your tooth becomes infected, root canal therapy is necessary to remove the infected tissue ...