Carlsbad Root Canals

Getting a Root Canal

Most people are terrified when they’re told they need root canals. There’s a popular misconception that root canal treatments are dangerous, risky, or painful — none of that is true. In actuality, root canal treatments are a slightly more intense form of dental fillers, usually necessary if you’ve left your dental cavities untreated for an extended period.
Dr. Addy specializes in painless, comfortable, and conservative root canals using the latest dental techniques.

To learn more about root canals, please contact Carlsbad Beach Dental, Drew Addy DDS, at (760) 729-5881 or schedule an appointment online today.

Carlsbad Beach Dental - Drew Addy, DDS in Carlsbad

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a popular dental procedure that removes the infected tissues from within a tooth, preventing the infection from spreading further. To understand root canal therapy, you must understand what “root canal” means. The root canal is the hollow inner section of the tooth containing the pulp tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. You need root canal therapy when a bacterial infection has reached your tooth’s root canal.

Root canal therapy is a procedure wherein the dentist removes the infected pulp tissues and other components from your tooth’s root canal. It’s your final shot at saving an infected tooth. If you avoid getting a root canal, the infection will eventually spread into the tooth’s root and surrounding structures, requiring a dental extraction. Once the infected tissues are removed, you might need a dental crown to protect the weakened tooth.

Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

To put it simply, you need a root canal when the bacterial infection has reached your tooth’s pulp chamber or root canal. However, it takes a long time for an infection to reach the root canal, giving you plenty of time to stop the infection from spreading along the way. The fact that you need a root canal strongly indicates that you’ve been neglectful of your oral hygiene habits, dental cleanings, or dental treatments.

Most dental cavities and infections start as accumulated plaque and tartar on the surface of your teeth. If you maintain optimal oral hygiene and go for regular dental cleanings, the dentist will clear away the plaque and tartar to ensure optimal oral hygiene. As such, regular dental cleanings allow you to avoid dental infections altogether, but, if you do get a cavity, it usually starts at the enamel, i.e., the outermost layer of your teeth.

Dental cavities don’t cause any pain or symptoms, so they often go undetected unless they’re highly visible. If you don’t go for regular dental checkups, the cavities may go undetected and continue spreading. If you catch the cavities early, you can seal them with simple dental fillings. If you don’t catch them early, the infection might reach the pulp chamber or root canal, requiring root canal therapy.

That’s when most people realize they have a dental cavity or infection; when the infection spreads into the pulp chamber, leading to side effects and potential complications. As such, you need root canal therapy if you’ve been neglectful of your oral hygiene habits, regular dental cleanings, dental checkups, or dental fillings. If you also avoid root canals, the infection might eventually lead to overall health problems, complete tooth loss, strokes, or other complications.

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“Dr. Addy and his staff are all highly professional and very competent. I required a root canal and a bridge. Dr. Addy did a fantastic job and was able to sort me out so that I could enjoy my vacation and do the permanent work when I returned. It would not have been so without him. He is thoughtful, empathetic, and technically skilled. His staff are all welcoming and friendly as well. I also like the way they have incorporated technology so that the whole experience is streamlined. Can’t say enough nice things.”

Root Canal Procedure

Cleaning the Root Canal

The dentist drills an access hole into the affected tooth and removes the infected pulp tissues, blood vessels, nerves, and other components. After emptying the root canal, the dentist clears the walls with small files and cleans the root canal with water or sodium hypochlorite.

Closing the Root Canal

The dentist applies a disinfectant medication and seals the root canal with a temporary filling for a week. During the next session, he fills the root canal with adhesive cement and a component called gutta-percha. In some cases, the dentist decontaminates the area and seals it during the first session itself.

Dental Restoration

Without the pulp tissues and nerves, the tooth is essentially dead and extremely weak. Over time, the lack of nourishment from the pulp tissues will make the tooth brittle and vulnerable to damage. Dr. Addy prepares a same-day ceramic crown to attach over the affected tooth, protecting it from future damages.

The entire process is painless, comfortable, and convenient. Most importantly, it saves your tooth from complete decay.

Root Canal Candidates

Dr. Addy will carefully examine your teeth and run advanced diagnostic tests to determine if you need a root canal. He only recommends root canals if the infection has spread into the pulp chamber and root canal therapy is your last resort to save the affected tooth. The following are signs you need to consult a dentist for root canals:

Severe toothaches while chewing
Persistent sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
Discolored or darkening teeth
Bleeding or swollen gums
Pimples on the gums

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