Root Canals in La Jolla, CA

A root canal is a procedure performed to thoroughly clean the canals inside a tooth, removing any infected or inflamed tissue and filling the canal with an inert material, usually gutta-percha. This procedure is typically necessary when a tooth becomes infected due to trauma or deep decay.

Many symptoms may indicate you need this type of treatment. The most common symptoms are pain and sensitivity to hot and cold. Other signs include sensitivity, swollen gums, and even darkened teeth. If you have any of these symptoms, the earlier you see our dentist at La Jolla Dental Group: Mehrack Kajian-Faraji, DDS, for treatment, the more likely we are to be able to save your tooth with root canal therapy. 

The Need for Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp containing the tooth's nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracked or chipped teeth, or traumatic injury. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, leading to abscesses, severe pain, and tooth loss.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Local anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient's comfort throughout the procedure. The dentist will create a small access hole in the tooth to reach the infected or damaged pulp. Our dentist in La Jolla, CA carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth's root canals using specialized dental instruments. The root canals are meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove any remaining debris and bacteria.

Once thoroughly cleaned, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent reinfection. A dental crown or filling is placed on the treated tooth to restore its strength, function, and appearance. 

The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Pain Relief 

Root canal treatment alleviates the severe toothache caused by infected dental pulp, providing immediate pain relief. 

Tooth Preservation 

Saving the natural tooth through a root canal helps maintain a proper bite and prevents the need for extraction. It preserves the integrity of the dental arch and reduces the risk of adjacent teeth shifting or other complications. 

Improved Oral Health 

Root canal treatment eliminates infection, prevents it from spreading, and promotes healing, improving oral health and preventing potential complications. 

Natural-Looking and Fully Functional Restoration 

Following root canal treatment, the tooth can be restored with a crown or filling, which blends in seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. This restoration restores the tooth's appearance and functionality and the patient’s ability to bite and chew properly. 

Root canal treatment is an essential dental procedure that can save an infected tooth, relieve pain, and restore oral health. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or suspect an infection, visit La Jolla Dental Group: Mehrack Kajian-Faraji, DDS, at 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr., Suite B120, La Jolla, CA 92037, or call (858) 455-9614. By choosing root canal therapy and preserving your natural teeth, you will be able to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile for years.