How Root Canals Eliminate Decay

Root Canal Find out how your Turlock, CA dentist can preserve your smile with a root canal.

While no one wants to think about it, at some point in our lives we will have to face dental decay. Decay affects about 92 percent of Americans between the ages of 20 to 64 years old. If the decay is left untreated it can wreak havoc on your tooth, causing pain, inflammation, and even infection. Find out how your Turlock, CA dentist Cesar Acosta, DMD, can prevent the tooth from further damage with a root canal.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that requires your Turlock dentist, Dr. Acosta, to remove the inner structure of your tooth, also known as the pulp. The pulp of the tooth contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and is considered the “feeling” part of the tooth.

What is the purpose of a root canal?

Your Turlock, CA dentist, Dr. Acosta, will recommend that you get a root canal if you are suffering from severe decay or cavity, an infection or direct trauma that has caused irritation of the pulp. An infected or irritated pulp must be removed in order to preserve the rest of the natural tooth and to prevent further damage. The first sign that a tooth may be infected or damaged is tooth pain. If you are experiencing tooth pain then you may need a root canal.

What should I expect when I get a root canal in Turlock, CA?

Forget all the horror stories you may have heard about root canals. Now this procedure is no different from getting a tooth filled. Before we begin, we will administer a local anesthetic so you won’t experience discomfort during your treatment.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect we will drill through the enamel until we reach the inside of the tooth. Then we will carefully remove the damaged pulp and clean out the inside of the tooth to remove debris, bacteria and pus. Once the tooth is thoroughly disinfected we will begin to rebuild the tooth using a rubber-like substance known as gutta percha. After this is complete, we will often place a custom-made dental crown over the tooth to restore complete function and strength back into the weakened tooth.

If you are experiencing tooth pain or discomfort this could be the first sign of a cavity. Nip this problem in the bud right away to protect the health of your smile. Call your Turlock dentist, Dr. Cesar Acosta, right away at (209)250-2560 and put your oral health first.

Cesar Acosta DMD, Family Dentistry

1065 Colorado Ave Suite 3

Turlock, CA 95380 US

(209) 250-2560