Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is used by your dentist in North Hollywood to examine the soft core of the tooth – also known as the dental pulp – in order to locate and treat problems. This type of treatment is relatively modern, as throughout history and until the late 20th century the primary means of treating teeth with diseased or injured pulp was to extract the teeth completely. Now, thanks to root canal treatment and your North Hollywood dentist, injured teeth can be saved.

Dental pulp is within the tooth itself, extending from the crown to the tip of the root in the jaw bone. This is where nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue are located within the tooth. If the pulp becomes diseased from bacteria introduced through tooth decay or due to injury such as a crack or break, it may die. If an infection within the tooth remains untreated, a buildup of bacteria at the root tip can form a pocket of infection, called an abscess, and will result in pain and swelling if the patient does not receive root canal treatment. Furthermore, an abscess does not just affect the tooth of origin, but can also injure the jaw bone.

Do you have pain in any of your teeth? A painful tooth may signal disease or decay. Contact your North Hollywood dentist and schedule a root canal treatment evaluation as soon as possible.

Root canal treatment in North Hollywood generally will involve between one and three visits with the dentist. After determining a root canal is the right treatment for the patient, the dentist first creates an opening through the crown of the tooth and into the pulp chamber. Diseased portions of the pulp are removed and the root canal is cleaned and prepared for sealing. A patient may receive a temporary filling which will protect the root canal until a permanent crown is affixed, most often at a follow up dental appointment.

At North Hollywood Dental Group, Dr. Bijan Afar and Dr. Kakoli offer root canal treatments as well. With a root canal treatment you can save your diseased or infected tooth instead of extracting it.

If a tooth is infected, root canal treatment could help save the tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted.