Root Canal Therapy in Walnut Creek, CA

A common belief Walnut Creek patients have is that extraction is the only option for a tooth with internal nerve damage. In some cases, Dr. Ricky Singh at Shadelands Dental Care may recommend root canal treatment to save a tooth affected by decay or infection. Through this treatment option, the genuine function of your natural tooth is preserved without altering the rest of your smile.

 

When Should You Consider Root Canal Treatment?

The root canal is present inside each tooth, containing the nerves and living tissue, also known as dental pulp, which determine the health of your smile. Potentially irreversible damage can occur to these necessary components when decay and infection occur within this chamber. Infected pulp may be the result of a number of factors, including poor hygiene, cavities, or facial trauma, and can contribute to greater dental health concerns. Root canal treatment clears out sources of harm, conserving your natural dentition while preventing more serious issues from developing.

Some of the patients to our Walnut Creek dental practice were unaware they needed root canal treatment until undergoing a dental exam with Dr. Ricky Singh. While symptoms may not always be present, Shadelands Dental Care recommends seeking immediate professional evaluation if you experience any of the following:

• Injury or trauma to a tooth
• Appearance of pus or an abscess on the gums
• Swelling or tenderness in the tissue surrounding a tooth
• Increased dental sensitivity to hot and cold
• Severe and prolonged toothache
  

What is Involved in Root Canal Treatment?

A thorough examination at Shadelands Dental Care can detect teeth that would benefit from root canal treatment.

During root canal treatment, the affected tooth is numbed and surrounded by a dental dam to keep the area free of saliva. Specialized dental instruments are then used to create a small hole behind the tooth, through which infected pulp and bacteria is removed. As part of this comprehensive approach, any dental decay observed during the procedure will also receive care.

To prevent recurrence of infection, the roots of a treated tooth will be sterilized, sealed, and filled with a biocompatible material called gutta percha. Additionally, a filling will be placed to cover the opening made to access the root canal. In order lend additional strength and cosmetic appeal to teeth that have received treatment, Dr. Ricky Singh may recommend crown placement.

Following root canal therapy, it is normal to experience moderate sensitivity while the healing process takes place. Patients to Shadelands Dental Care should schedule a follow-up visit as soon as possible if this feeling does not eventually subside or becomes more persistent. Even when there are no outstanding issues, routine dental visits allow Dr. Ricky Singh to provide care that ensures the long-term success of the treatment.

Our Walnut Creek patients will receive care instructions on maintaining proper at-home habits that will result in the enduring health of their smiles. Depending on the extent of treatment required, Dr. Ricky Singh may refer patients to an endodontist to provide specialized care for the soft inner tissue of their teeth.

 

Contact Shadelands Dental Care

To learn how root canal treatment can maintain the health of your existing smile, contact our Walnut Creek dental office today to schedule a consultation visit.