Root canals are often used as an example of something everyone desperately wants to steer clear of. Many a comedian has compared something they wanted to avoid with the procedure, exclaiming “I’d rather have a root canal!”
For a much-dreaded dental procedure, there’s actually quite a bit to like about root canals, in terms of their purpose as an effective dental solution.
Dr. Ali Saeghi and the Modern Age Dentistry team are well-versed in preparing you for your root canal procedure, should you need one, performing it skillfully, and counseling you about recovery. Dr. Saeghi is dedicated to providing you with a range of advanced dental treatments, as well as routine care.
There’s no kind of pain like dental pain. You can’t ignore it, and it quickly becomes your sole focus.
Simply, a root canal is a procedure that’s named after a part of your tooth. It alleviates dental pain that stems from the interior of your tooth.
Each of your teeth is composed of roots and a crown. The crown is above your gum, the part you can see, and the root is underneath the crown, attaching your tooth to your jawbone.
Inside your crown and root (also known as the root canal) is the tooth pulp, or the living part of your tooth that’s made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that provide nourishment for your tooth.
Unfortunately, your pulp can get infected or damaged, and this causes significant discomfort and even puts you at risk for an abscess. This is when a root canal is necessary, and Dr. Saeghi removes the pulp.
You’ll be relieved to learn these truths about root canals. Once Dr. Saeghi discusses these aspects of the procedure with his patients, they often happily anticipate the procedure, as well as the restoration of their comfort:
Despite the bad rap they get as terribly painful procedures, today’s root canal procedure is virtually pain-free.
First, Dr. Saeghi carefully numbs your tooth with a local anesthetic. Next, he makes a very small opening at the top of your tooth so he can get to the problematic pulp. He sweeps the pulp out and thoroughly cleans and dries the treatment site.
Then he gives you a temporary filling, and follows up a few weeks later by covering your root canal site with a dental restoration, such as a crown.
Root canals used to be quite lengthy. Now, Dr. Saeghi can get you in and out of the office quickly, both when you have your initial treatment and when you return for your restoration.
It’s always less than ideal to need a tooth extraction. The gap must be filled, for example, with a dental implant.
Problems associated with missing teeth, like gum disease and tooth shifting, are very real risks if you don’t get the gap addressed.
You can experience a sudden onset of sharp, severe pain, but symptoms also may include:
If you visit us with any one or a combination of these symptoms, Dr. Saeghi will want to take X-rays. If he concludes that the roots of your tooth have died, he recommends a root canal as the solution.
We’re with you every step of the way when you have a root canal. We ensure that your recovery is smooth and comfortable, and that you avoid infection, which is priority No. 1, post-procedure.
The most important things you can do to ensure your recovery from a root canal are simply to practice your usual good oral health habits of conscientious brushing and flossing.
We also encourage you to schedule a follow-up appointment so Dr. Saeghi can take some X-rays and certify that you are 100% infection-free.
Her name is “Princess”! She’s our comforting, sweet therapy dog, and she soothes and calms our patients like no one else can.
The therapeutic effects that animals have on us are very real, and Princess is the perfect stress relief fluff-ball for when you need a root canal procedure. We’re so lucky to have her.
Don’t be trepidatious about having a root canal. We take great care of you throughout the process because you deserve to be pain-free.
Call the Modern Age Dentistry office that’s most convenient to you — in Los Angeles, Ojai, or West Hills, California — to schedule a root canal consultation, or request one online.
