Root Canals in Port Hueneme, CA

A root canal is the informal name of a dental procedure that is performed to save a tooth that’s decayed or infected. While many people typically call them “root canals,” the correct name for this procedure is root canal treatment or endodontic therapy. Root canals are the inner parts of your tooth, which contain pulp tissue and nerve endings.

While a root canal treatment desensitizes the nerves in a tooth and renders the tooth ‘dead’, this doesn’t interfere with the function of a tooth. As such, root canal treatments can restore the function of a tooth, while also allowing you to avoid an extraction.

All Care Dental by the Sea offers root canal treatments in a safe and sanitary environment. Our dentist has years of experience in performing endodontic therapy and is committed to ensuring that you keep most, if not all, of your natural teeth. Contact us today if you have a severely infected or decayed tooth that’s causing you unbearable pain.

What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?

During your appointment with our dentist in Port Hueneme, CA, we’ll begin by taking x-rays of your tooth to determine the curvature of your root canals. The dental x-rays also essential in showing whether the surrounding bone is infected. After that, the dentist will drill an access hole into your tooth to reach your infected pulp tissue. Using root canal files, the dentist will remove all infected tissue, followed by thorough cleaning and disinfection.

Next, the tooth is sealed to prevent the entry of bacteria and food debris. If your tooth was severely decayed, you might require a dental crown to provide cover for your remaining tooth.

If this sounds scary, we want to assure you that reading about it is more terrifying than going through it. Root canal treatments at All Care Dental by the Sea are safe and comfortable procedures that are performed under anesthesia. We’re happy to discuss our various anesthesia options with you.

Caring for Your Teeth After Root Canal Treatment

It’s normal to experience a bit of sensitivity after root canal treatment—especially if your tooth was infected before. Tenderness and inflammation can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medication.

Don’t chew with the tooth in question until treatment is over. That is, wait until you’ve received your crown or permanent filling before you start eating with your affected side.

Brush the rest of your teeth, and floss as well. Lastly, finish off your dental routine with an antiseptic mouthwash to ensure that bacteria don’t thrive in your mouth. Our dentist in Port Hueneme, CA, will recommend an effective mouth rinse that you can use.