Root canal therapy is a procedure used to save a tooth when the inner layer, known as pulp, has become damaged and infected. Millions of teeth are saved each year with this endodontic procedure.
A tooth’s pulp can be damaged by a number of things, including:
- Deep tooth decay
- Repeated dental procedures on the tooth
- Large fillings
- A crack or chip
- Sudden trauma
While the infection of the pulp and nerve can cause a lot of pain, root canal therapy is designed to stop that pain. The tooth and the area around it will be numbed, so you will not feel anything during treatment. Drs. Harder, Pham, and Chung will remove the damaged pulp and clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth. The root canals will be shaped, and a rubbery substance called gutta-percha will fill the inside of the tooth to prevent the infection from coming back. Afterward, a crown will be placed over the tooth to protect and strengthen it. After this procedure, you will be able to use the tooth as normal.
If you have a toothache or an emergency, see your dentist right away. This could be a sign that a root canal is needed to save the tooth. Drs. Harder, Pham, and Chung are general dentists with years of experience in root canals, can perform root canal treatment for our patients in the Irvine area. Call our office to ask our friendly staff any questions about root canals or you think you might need a root canal, please call and make an appointment to see Drs. Harder, Pham, or Chung today.
