Root Canal Near Me in San Francisco, CA, 94115

Root canal therapy, also known as RCT, is a dental service performed to treat infections or damage within the pulp chamber of a tooth. The pulp is the tissue located inside the tooth, and it contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. When the pulp tissue becomes infected or inflamed due to tooth decay, trauma, or other factors, a root canal treatment may be needed to save the tooth and eliminate pain. Here is how a root canal treatment is performed: 1. Diagnosis and Examination: The first step of the root canal treatment is a complete examination by a general dentist or an endodontist. This typically entails taking X-rays to evaluate the extent of the infection and determine if a root canal is actually needed. Symptoms that may signal the need for a root canal include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling of the gums or face, or a pimple-like bump on the gum adjacent to the tooth. 2. Local Anesthesia: Before beginning the treatment, the dentist will inject local anesthesia to numb the infected tooth and surrounding soft tissues. This ensures that the patient stays comfortable throughout the treatment. 3. Accessing the Pulp: Once the tooth is numbed, the endodontist will drill a small hole in the top of the tooth, called an access, to reach the infected or inflamed pulp tissue. This allows the dentist to remove the diseased pulp and clean the root canals. 4. Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canals: Using specialized tools, the dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp from the root canals. The canals are cleaned and shaped to remove the remaining bacteria, debris, and infection. Irrigation with antimicrobial solutions will then disinfect the canals. 5. Filling the Root Canals: After all the canals have been cleaned and shaped (widened), they are filled with a bio-compatible filling material called gutta-percha. This seals off the canals to prevent re-contamination and provides protection for the tooth structure. 6. Sealing the Access Cavity: After the root canals have been filled, the access cavity is covered with a temporary or permanent filling materials to prevent bacteria and debris from entering it and causing an infection. 7. Restoration: Sometimes, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may need additional restoration, such as a dental crown (cap), to protect and restore the tooth function. A dental crown is placed on the tooth to restore its natural appearance and functionality. Root canal treatment is very successful in saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted because of the infection of the pulp. With proper maintenance and good oral hygiene, a tooth that has gotten a root canal can function normally for years or even decades, allowing patients to preserve their natural smiles.