Root Canal Therapy in Torrance, CA

In Root Canal Therapy, a hole is made in the affected tooth to gain access to the infected pulp, and antibiotics may be applied. The pulp itself may be removed if the infection is too severe. There are two main procedures. A pulpectomy is a partial root canal and a two-step process: the first visit gives access to the pulp to administer antibiotics, and once your mouth has recovered somewhat, the next step is to remove the infected pulp, then thoroughly clean, disinfect, and fill the formerly infected canal. An apicoectomy is used where an infection is more severe and goes beyond the root tip; the root tip, tissue, and apical infection are treated, requiring a much larger area to be opened, and a biocompatible, rubbery, plant-based material known as Gutta Percha is used to fill in space and seal the tooth from bacteria and possible reinfection.

• Treats infection inside the soft inner pulp of the tooth
• Relieves persistent pain and temperature sensitivity
• Pulpectomy and apicoectomy procedures available
• Performed under anesthesia for a comfortable experience
• A 95% success rate that saves your natural tooth

Unlike a cavity, which is a problem on the surface of your teeth, a pulp or root infection occurs inside the tooth and attacks the soft tissue under the hard enamel. Symptoms include persistent, constant throbbing pain even when you are not eating, increased pain when chewing, temperature sensitivity to hot or cold that persists long after the drink has been consumed, tooth discoloration as the infection spreads outward, and gum problems such as swollen gums near the problem tooth, extreme sensitivity, or a pimple-like growth on the gums. Without treatment, the infection can lead to an infected swelling that spreads to other parts of your mouth, face, and head, bone loss around the root area, and infected fluids that drain into the gums, spreading the infection further or even penetrating the cheek.

RCT has a 95% success rate. The procedure uses an anesthetic, so there is no pain during the process; the discomfort that gives RCT its reputation usually occurs afterward, since the tooth has been cut and roots, pulp, and nerve may have been exposed. You can expect the tooth to be sensitive for a few days and will have to treat it very gently, avoiding chewing in the affected area, especially if it is still exposed and will be filled at a later appointment. Usually, a permanent filling or crown will be set once it has been confirmed that the infection has healed. You may be prescribed a painkiller to help with discomfort for the first few days, and if the discomfort persists, see your dentist.