Root Canal Specialist

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal is a dental procedure that is meant to relieve pain and save your tooth. When the inside of your tooth is severely infected or decayed, Dr. Dang at Smile Forever Dental extracts any dying or dead tissue and bacteria from the tooth's interior.

He uses a combination of the latest technology of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for incredibly accurate imaging and nickel titanium rotary files for precise tooth shaping. Doing so lets him get rid of your pain and preserve your tooth.

What causes the root of a tooth to become infected?

Roots and tissue inside your teeth can become infected with bacteria as a result of an injury to the tooth or from a cavity that is left untreated. If you don’t visit Dr. Dang, the infected tissue may spread into the root or pulp of the tooth. Ask about treatment. If you don't, the infection could spread even further and lead to other health complications.

How do I know if I have an infected tooth?

An infected tooth can cause pain very quickly, particularly if you don't address it soon enough. Some typical symptoms of an infected tooth include:

• Inflamed gums
• Tooth soreness, especially when chewing
• Intense tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Bad breath
• Pus coming from around the tooth
• Painful aching in your mouth or jaw
• Tooth darkening in color
• A bump on your gum like a small pimple

How does a root canal work?

Typically, Dr. Dang can take care of your tooth in one or two visits. You first need CBCT X-rays so Dr. Dang can judge the magnitude of damage to the tooth needing a root canal. CBCT allows Dr. Dang to view the shape and size of the area in a 2D image, which is then configured into a 3D image. This image is free of distortion and gives precise locations of nerves and other teeth, including the sinus cavity and other implants.

At your appointment, Dr. Dang at Smile Forever Dental uses a needle to numb the area with a local anesthetic. Every now and then, he sets a dental dam, or a little piece of rubber, on your tooth to preserve its cleanliness and protect it from bacteria during the procedure. Once your tooth is anesthetized, Dr. Dang forms a minuscule hole in your tooth to reach the infection inside the root.

Next, Dr. Dang removes the infected and damaged pulp using small rotary files. These rotary files shape and clean the root canal area efficiently and precisely. He washes away any debris from the area with water. Once all damaged substance is extracted, Dr. Dang will either place a temporary filling on your tooth or seal it for protection until you come back for your permanent crown.

Call Smile Forever Dental or book a consultation online if you have any symptoms or signs of a tooth infection.