Root Canal Treatments in Hacienda Heights CA

Root Canal Therapy in Hacienda Heights CA

Root Canal Therapy or RCT, is a dental procedure where a hole is made in the affected tooth to gain access to the infected pulp that lies underneath. The pulp is removed by special instruments called files. The canal spaces are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected, and then filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Depending on the severity of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the infection.

Pulpotomy

Pulpotomy is a partial root canal procedure mostly done on baby teeth if the pulp is involved in the decay process and the tooth is not ready yet to be extracted. The pulp tissues on the crown portion of the tooth are removed, and a special filling material is placed to protect and preserve the remaining root pulp, and the tooth is restored either by a stainless steel crown or a filling. If the root pulp is involved and the tooth is still savable, Pulpectomy is performed, which is the complete removal of pulp tissues, and a resorbable filling is placed in the root canal spaces, and the crown of the tooth is restored.

Apicoectomy

In cases where an infection is more severe and goes beyond the root tip and access through the tooth is not possible, a dentist may suggest an apicoectomy. The root tip, tissue, and apical infection are treated by lifting a flap on the gum and accessing the root tip area through the bone. Once the treatment has been completed, a biocompatible material is used to fill in the root tip space and seal the tooth from bacteria and possible reinfection.

Typically, root canals are recommended by a dentist after a thorough examination. However, if you haven’t visited a dentist for quite some time and are experiencing unusual amounts of pain in your tooth, the infected pulp may be the problem. Call our team at Hacienda Heights Gentle Smiles today for an accurate assessment and see if a root canal can treat your problem.