Root Canal
Gentle Treatment to Alleviate Tooth Pain
About 15 million teeth are saved every year with root canal treatment. A root canal is necessary when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. If pulp infection is left untreated, this can cause severe pain and/or lead to an abscess. While the perception that root canals are painful began decades ago, advances in dental technology have resulted in root canals that are no more uncomfortable than having a cavity filled.
At Kingsburg Family Dentistry, we strive to change patients’ perceptions of root canal treatment by using technologies that enable a gentle approach while also alleviating dental anxiety. During a root canal in our Kingsburg, CA office, our highly skilled dentist removes the infected pulp and nerve from your tooth root, cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, and then fills and seals the space.
The Out-of-Sight, Essential Tooth Root
A tooth root comprises the lower two-thirds of your tooth and serves to anchor it in position and keep your jawbone healthy. The root canal space is located below the pulp chamber in what is called the radicular portion of the tooth. The end tip of the tooth root is called the apex. Root canals can be round, oval, long oval, flattened or irregular. In most people, incisors, canines and premolars have one root, while molars have two or three, each of which can get infected.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
Severe Tooth Pain
Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Food or Drinks
Pain when Biting or Chewing
Tooth Discoloration
Loosening of the Tooth
Swollen, Tender or Darkened Gums
Pimplelike Bumps (fistulas) on the Gums
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Signs You Need a Root Canal
When the pulp inside your tooth root becomes infected, the pulp and bacteria must be removed to save your tooth, oral health, and overall health. During a root canal in Kingsburg, CA, our oral dentist first numbs the treatment site with a local anesthetic. If you suffer from dental anxiety or need additional sedation, we offer diverse sedation options. Either way, you won’t feel any pain, although you may experience slight pressure as we complete the procedure.
We drill a small hole in your tooth crown to gain access to the pulp chamber and carefully clean out all the bacteria and infected pulp and tissues. Then we fill and seal the end with a rubberlike material called gutta-percha. Afterward, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling to protect it and restore normal function. We accept many insurance plans and offer third-party financing to ensure your treatment is affordable.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
When our dentist performs a root canal in Kingsburg, CA, this will enable you to live a comfortable and functional life free of tooth pain. The benefits of root canal treatment include:
Preserved Natural Tooth
Resolved Toothache
Restored Tooth Function
Improved Smile Esthetics
Precision Designed For You
How to Prevent Root Canals
The best way to prevent a root canal is to practice good oral hygiene, avoid hard food that can crack teeth, and protect your teeth when playing sports. Follow these additional precautions:
Brush Twice Daily
Floss Once Daily
Avoid Biting Hard Foods (especially with restorations)
Wear a Night Guard if You Grind or Clench Your Teeth in your Sleep
Wear a Mouth Guard when Playing Sports
Avoid Acidic Citrus Drinks and Sugary Soft Drinks
Get Regular Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Seek Immediate Treatment for Tooth Pain
Need a Root Canal?
Schedule an appointment with our team in Kingsburg, CA, today!
Client Case
Treatment Plan
- Alleviate symptoms of depression and burnout.
- Enhance coping skills for managing work-related stressors and life transitions.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge negative thought patterns and develop adaptive coping strategies.
- Career counseling to explore work-life balance and identify sources of fulfillment outside of work.
Results
- John successfully transitioned from feeling overwhelmed and hopeless to experiencing a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment in both his personal and professional life.
- He developed effective coping strategies to manage stressors and maintain his mental health, leading to improved productivity and job satisfaction.
- John's case highlights the transformative power of therapy in promoting resilience and well-being, ultimately enhancing his overall quality of life.
