Root Canal Therapy San Diego
Serving san diego county including escondido, rancho bernardo, poway
If you have severe tooth pain, lingering temperature sensitivity in your teeth, or other signs of tooth infection, you may need a root canal. As scary as that may sound, a root canal is actually a simple procedure that most people find surprisingly easy and anticlimactic.
The cost of a root canal
The cost of a root canal will depend on several different factors, including the location of the infected tooth, the scope of the treatment, and whether or not you have dental insurance; whether you need dental sedation, X-rays, or any other additional procedures.
At the dental office of Dr. Pegah Salami, we pride ourselves on offering affordable dental services in Rancho Bernardo. Dr. Salami will be able to give you a clearer idea of what you can expect to pay for your root canal when you come in for your consultation. Be sure to let us know whether you have dental insurance. We’re happy to call your provider to inquire about root canal coverage on your behalf.
Delaying a root canal procedure can cause even more discomfort and spreading the infection
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What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that eliminates bacteria from a damaged or diseased tooth. Root canal therapy involves the removal of the tooth’s soft inner tissue, known as the pulp. Damaged or diseased pulp will start to deteriorate and decay, leading to infection and other serious complications. The blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues in the pulp are important for the tooth’s development, but a fully developed tooth can survive without it.
When you come in for your root canal procedure, Dr. Salami will carefully clean the infected pulp out of the canal, removing all tissue and eliminating all bacteria from the pulp chamber before filling it with a rubbery material and sealing it off to prevent new bacteria from entering. She will then place a dental crown on top to help preserve the tooth structure and allow you to continue to eat the foods you love – pain free!
Laser root canal treatment for a toothache
A laser root canal treatment involves the use of a laser drill to access the pulp chamber and a soft-tissue laser to sterilize the inner structures of the tooth, some of which can be difficult to reach with traditional methods. Laser-assisted root canal therapy can also minimize the friction involved with cleaning out the pulp chambers, making for a more precise and comfortable experience.
Risks of non-treatment
If you have an infected tooth, a root canal is the best option for treating the infection and preserving the tooth. Tooth extraction is another option, but Dr. Salami prefers to always save as many of your natural teeth as possible. It’s important to understand that the infected pulp will not heal on its own. Tooth pain will likely get worse if left untreated. If the pain does go away, it probably means the infection has killed the nerves in your tooth, but the infection still remains. If the tooth is not extracted or the pulp removed, the consequences can be severe.
The infection will spread from the tooth to the gums and the jawbone, potentially resulting in tooth loss or jawbone loss. As the infection spreads to other parts of the body, you increase the risk of serious complications, including stroke, heart attack, and sepsis. A root canal is a simple procedure that can help optimize not only your oral health but your overall health as well.
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Symptoms and signs a root canal might be needed
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the soft tissue of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. While pain and infection often go hand in hand, this isn’t always the case. Some people who need a root canal experience no tooth pain, and others who experience tooth pain do not have an infection and do not need a root canal.
Every individual is different, and the only way to determine whether or not you need a root canal is to consult with a dentist or endodontist. In general, however, there are some common signs and symptoms that a root canal may be needed, including:
- Sudden tooth pain
- Sharp intense pain while chewing
- Lingering tooth sensitivity to heat or cold
- Swollen tender gums
- Dental abscess (pimple on the gums)
- Puss around the affected tooth
- Darkening tooth
- Darkening gums
- Facial swelling
The above signs and symptoms will not always point to the need for a root canal, but they all do require the attention of a dentist. If you experience any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Salami right away.
Your amazing smile is only a phone call away. Book your appointment today.