What is a root canal procedure in Mission Viejo

We all hope to keep our natural teeth for life. Sometimes, accident or oral disease makes that impossible, but more people than ever are accomplishing that goal. One of the reasons is root canal treatment, which can restore the health of a tooth that would otherwise require extraction.

Teeth are not solid as they appear. Instead, they are comprised of multiple layers, with hollow chambers and canals in the center. Although hollow, these chambers and canals are not empty. They contain vascular tissues, nerves, and other soft tissues, collectively known as dental pulp. In a strong, healthy tooth, the pulp is protected by layers of hard tooth material. Deep decay, tiny fractures, or oral injury can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection. In some cases, particularly if the tooth has suffered an impact, the pulp can be injured.

Damaged dental pulp can lead to chronic or frequent toothaches, tooth sensitivity, and abscesses. These problems are progressive, and in most cases, the only alternative to extraction is endodontic therapy, more commonly called root canal therapy. It is a procedure to remove compromised dental pulp and prevent further infection. Contrary to what you may have heard, the procedure is comfortable and reliable.

The procedure for root canal treatment is completed in just a few steps:

• First, we numb the tooth using the Wand comfort injection technology.
  
  
• Your dentist will create a very small opening in the upper part of the tooth.
  
  
• Specialized tools are used to access the canal through the opening and remove damaged dental pulp.
  
  
• The canal is sterilized to eliminate any lingering infection/
  
  
• It is filled with gutta percha, a rubbery material that seals the canal to prevent bacteria from entering.
  
  
• The final step is to restore your tooth. This may be accomplished with a cosmetic filling or, more likely, a porcelain crown. We use the CEREC in-office milling system, allowing us to create same-day crowns.

If you have questions about the root canal procedure, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please call our office at 949-427-2096. We are located in Mission Viejo, proudly serving residents of Ladera Ranch, Laguna Niguel, and beyond.