Root canal - before and after
Our root canal specialists are dedicated to providing exceptional endodontics in a compassionate and caring environment. We understand the word "root canal" can cause fear and anxiety. At our office, we strive to provide gentle, comfortable care tailored to your needs. Using the latest technology, we are committed to providing high-quality diagnosis and treatment through digital x-rays, surgical microscope and 3D Cone-Beam CT imaging. With these tools, we can perform advanced endodontics and surgical procedures to help you save your teeth at Upland Dental Implant and Orthodontics.
The American Association of Endodontics has found that many people have a negative perception of endodontics, but never had a root canal themselves. Those who have had the treatment, actually describe the experience as painless. The methods for root canal treatments have been improved so much that now the procedure is more effective and comfortable.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canals, or also known as endodontic treatment, is done when the nerves inside the teeth or the area around a tooth have become infected. The root canal is done to prevent the infection from spreading and to save the affected tooth. The infected nerve is cleaned out, removed and meticulously restored.
What are Signs of an Infected Tooth?
Infection can occur from untreated cavities or if the tooth undergoes trauma and the structure is chipped or damaged. Often times traumatic injury can damage or lead to infection of the nerve. Patients feel tenderness and pain, extreme sensitivity to hot and cold during eating and drinking. Sometimes an abscess can develop near the root tip of the tooth which can be swollen, tender and sometimes exudes pus. There are also times when the patient does not have any symptoms with an infected tooth. Regular dental exams every six months are important to discover any tooth infections and prevent the risk of tooth loss, damage to your teeth and gums and potential health risks.
At Upland Dental Implant and Orthodontics, in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino and Wildomar California, we are proud to have specialist Dr. Rita Hung, as our endodontist. Dr. Hung underwent her residency training at Loma Linda University. At Loma Linda, Dr. Hung trained with the most modern techniques combined with state of the art technology to treat root canals. Call us today at any one of our office locations to schedule an appointment if you need a root canal.
The American Association of Endodontics has found that many people have a negative perception of endodontics, but never had a root canal themselves. Those who have had the treatment, actually describe the experience as painless. The methods for root canal treatments have been improved so much that now the procedure is more effective and comfortable.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canals, or also known as endodontic treatment, is done when the nerves inside the teeth or the area around a tooth have become infected. The root canal is done to prevent the infection from spreading and to save the affected tooth. The infected nerve is cleaned out, removed and meticulously restored.
What are Signs of an Infected Tooth?
Infection can occur from untreated cavities or if the tooth undergoes trauma and the structure is chipped or damaged. Often times traumatic injury can damage or lead to infection of the nerve. Patients feel tenderness and pain, extreme sensitivity to hot and cold during eating and drinking. Sometimes an abscess can develop near the root tip of the tooth which can be swollen, tender and sometimes exudes pus. There are also times when the patient does not have any symptoms with an infected tooth. Regular dental exams every six months are important to discover any tooth infections and prevent the risk of tooth loss, damage to your teeth and gums and potential health risks.
At Upland Dental Implant and Orthodontics, in Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino and Wildomar California, we are proud to have specialist Dr. Rita Hung, as our endodontist. Dr. Hung underwent her residency training at Loma Linda University. At Loma Linda, Dr. Hung trained with the most modern techniques combined with state of the art technology to treat root canals. Call us today at any one of our office locations to schedule an appointment if you need a root canal.
IV, Oral & Nitrous Sedation
Dental anxiety or phobia is a very real challenge for many patients. Often negative past experiences, severe gag reflexes, or fear of needles and drills can hold a person back from seeking treatment. Our root canal specialists can work with your specific needs to overcome your anxiety and complete treatment. Prior to treatment, a thorough evaluation is performed to assess your treatment needs and provide comfortable care with either IV, Oral or Nitrous sedation as needed. Please inquire when scheduling your appointment.
Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)
Our primary goal is to save your natural teeth whenever possible. Endodontics is the specialized treatment of the pulp and surrounding tissues. A root canal treatment cleans and fills the pulp canal system to save your tooth.
Retreatment
Occasionally, a tooth that was treated months or years ago may fail to heal or continue to have pain. In these cases, you may have another chance to save the tooth with a second endodontic procedure called a retreatment.
Endodontic Microsurgery
In some cases, it may be necessary to surgically remove the infected root tips and nearby tissue to treat the infection. This procedure is called an apical surgery or apicoectomy. The affected root tip is resected and sealed and the infection is cleaned. Sutures are removed about 1 week later. Most patients will have some minor swelling and occasional bruising with some numbness in the first few weeks.
Cracked Teeth
Signs of a cracked tooth can include pain when chewing, temperature sensitivity or pressure sensitivity. The pain often comes and goes which can be difficult to identify the problem. With chronic irritation overtime, the tooth pulp will become damaged sometimes leading to increasing pain and spreading infection into the surrounding gum and bone.
What to do if Your Tooth has had Dental Trauma?
Dental injuries such as a fracture, displacement or knocking a tooth out often require observation and treatment by an endodontist to save the tooth. Getting a root canal specialist on board from the beginning can improve the chances of saving your tooth as dental injuries require prompt specific treatment depending on the severity such as splinting, medication, root canal treatment, or other procedures. Careful monitoring of the traumatized tooth is needed to ensure healing occurs as expected.