Root Canal Therapy In Fountain Valley

What Is A Root Canal?

Root canal therapy or just a “root canal” for short, is a treatment that’s used to restore, protect, and preserve infected teeth. Teeth become infected when the outer layers of enamel and dentin are damaged or destroyed by a cavity or dental trauma. This exposes the “pulp” inside the tooth, which is filled with the blood vessels and nerves that keep your tooth alive.

In a root canal, Dr. Naman Zia Ebrahimi (Dr. E) will use special tools to open up the tooth, clean out this infected pulp, then fill it up and protect it with a filling or a dental crown. This eliminates pain, destroys the infection, and keeps your tooth healthy for years to come. Got a toothache in Fountain Valley? Contact us today to get the help you need.

Did you know…

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If you wait too long to get a root canal, it may not be possible to save your tooth. It may need to be extracted and replaced with a partial denture, dental bridge, or dental implant.

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What To Expect From The Root Canal Therapy Process

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Numbing and prep

To begin the process, Dr. E will clean the treatment area and numb your mouth to ensure you feel no discomfort during your procedure. Then, he’ll isolate the tooth with a rubber dam.

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Opening the tooth

Next, Dr. E will use a drill to remove damaged tooth material, and will create a small opening in the surface of your tooth. This gives him access to the inside of your tooth.

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Cleaning the interior

In the next step, Dr. E will use special tools to remove infected pulp from deep within your tooth. He will clean it thoroughly to remove all of the bacteria, then flush and sanitize the tooth.

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Filling and restoring the tooth

As the final step, Dr. E will fill the tooth with gutta-percha. This is a material that replaces your pulp and strengthens your tooth from the inside. Then, he will place a temporary filling or crown. You will usually need to come back in a few weeks to get a permanent crown.

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When Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

You need root canal therapy if you have an infected tooth. The most obvious symptom of a tooth infection is a prolonged toothache. If you have a toothache that doesn't go away and keeps getting worse, it’s likely due to a tooth infection.

Other symptoms may include inflammation and discoloration of the gums near the tooth, or discoloration of the tooth itself. In some cases, you may even notice swelling near the infected tooth, or a fever. If you notice any of these signs of a tooth infection, you should contact the office of Dr. Naman Zia Ebrahimi for a consultation right away.

Worn Teeth

Veneers can restore the shape and appearance of your teeth if they are worn from issues like teeth grinding (bruxism). If you are struggling with teeth grinding, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting a night guard to protect your teeth after you get veneers.

Chipped, Broken, or Irregularly Shaped Teeth

As long as the damage is limited to the outer layers of enamel and dentin, veneers may be used to treat minor chipping or breakage in the teeth. If you are struggling with a more serious injury, your tooth may require the use of a dental crown and root canal therapy. 
Irregular and misshapen teeth can be treated and restored with veneers, providing you with a straighter and more even smile.

Misalignment or Gapping

Veneers can resolve any minor tooth misalignment and gap in your smile. After your teeth are trimmed and covered with veneers to correct these issues, you can enjoy a bright, straight, natural-looking smile. 

Keep in mind that veneers can only be used to treat minor misalignment and tooth gapping issues. For more serious teeth alignment complications, your dentist may recommend orthodontic care. Treatment such as Invisalign or braces may be required before cosmetic treatment with veneers.

Have Questions About Root Canal Therapy? Find Answers Here.

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Do Root Canals Hurt?

No. During your appointment, your mouth will be numb, and you won’t feel any pain. Your tooth may feel a little bit sore for a day or two, but that’s it. In fact, getting a root canal is the best way to relieve the pain of an infected tooth, which can be extremely uncomfortable.

If you do feel continued pain for more than a few days after your appointment, you should contact Dr. E for a follow up. It’s possible that you will need retreatment to eliminate any lingering bacteria and completely eliminate the infection.

Did you know…

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More than 41,000 root canals are performed daily

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