Root Canal

A root canal is an important treatment option that can preserve the function of a tooth even after it has suffered from infection or serious structural damage. Our expert in root canal in Canoga Park may recommend a root canal treatment if the nerve of a tooth is infected or the pulp or other internal tooth tissues have been damaged. Root canal treatments are often known for being painful, but they are generally no more uncomfortable than a dental filling. In fact, the procedure can actually alleviate the pain from the diseased pulp.

The pulp is the soft inner tissue of the tooth. The roots contain nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. The nerve provides sensory information but serves no other critical function once the tooth has erupted. If the infection or decay has damaged the nerve, it can be removed without harming the tooth. If the pulp is left in place even though it is infected, the bacteria it contains will continue to break down and lead to more extensive infection, which could necessitate a dental extraction. By removing these tissues, our Canoga Park root canal expert can preserve the function and health of the tooth and your whole smile.

Root Canal Canoga Park

If you are a candidate for a root canal procedure, our expert in root canal in Canoga Park will begin by evaluating the tooth. We may use dental X-rays and other images as we plan your treatment. After we numb the area using a local anesthetic, our Canoga Park root canal expert will open the tooth to access these inner chambers. All the infected or damaged material will be removed, and any infection will be cleaned out. The soft tissues will be replaced with a special medicated material, and our dentist will protect the treatment site using a temporary filling. At a second visit, gutta percha will be used to seal the root canals, and we will explain your permanent restoration options. In some cases, a dental filling may be used to restore the tooth, but most of the time, patients will need a dental crown, which offers greater stability for the treated tooth.

Contact our Canoga Park dentist to learn more or to schedule your appointment.