Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth’s interior, or root, is damaged by decay, the tooth can easily be lost. In the past, the most common method of treating damaged tooth roots was to extract the tooth. This left patients with other dental problems associated with missing teeth. Today, however, root canal treatment is available that can often save a damaged tooth from extraction and preserve the health of your other teeth.
One of the greatest health problems associated with tooth decay is the fact that, if it is not contained quickly, it can spread to other teeth. A root canal treatment not only preserves the affected tooth but prevents the spread of decay to surrounding teeth. Root canals can also be instrumental in halting and even reversing gum disease.
A root canal treatment involves drilling a small hole in the crown of the tooth, allowing the dentist to reach the inner pulp and root of the tooth. The root is cleaned and a sealant is inserted into the tooth, protecting the root from further decay. Finally, a crown may be placed to cover and protect the tooth, depending on the amount of damage which has been done to the tooth’s structure.
A root canal treatment is often performed in stages. Dr. Kakoli, our board certified endodontist, will examine you during one visit and may decide to perform the root canal during that visit, or may wait for a subsequent visit. Once your root canal is performed, the dentist may inject a temporary filling until a crown is placed to protect the root work.
Our West Hollywood dentist has performed many successful root canals and will be happy to discuss with you the best way to treat your tooth decay issues. While root canals are not always necessary, sometimes they are the most appropriate way to treat deeply embedded infections. If less invasive measures will work, Dr. Kakoli can discuss these with you as well.
Make an appointment today to talk to Dr. Kakoli and Dr. Ghasri, our dentists in West Hollywood, about root canal treatments. Dr. Kakoli can explain the details about the procedure and what to expect before, during, and after a root canal.
