Biological Dentist Explains Root Canal Treatment:

As a biological dentist, many of my patients ask me my thoughts regarding root canal treatment and any potential dangers associated with root canals.  In this blog, I am going to explain when root canal treatment is needed as well as what is involved in root canal therapy.

When Are Root Canals Recommended? When a tooth has acute pain, swelling in the jaw, pus present, lesions found at the root tip on an x-ray, trauma, or too deep of a cavity.

What is a Root Canal? A root canal is generally the last treatment available to save a tooth that is infected or has experienced severe trauma.  Typically, patients are referred to a root canal specialist (Endodontist) for further evaluation of the tooth in question.  If treatment is necessary, the Endodontist will perform the root canal.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

During root canal treatment, the nerve and pulp of the tooth and clean it out using special files and antiseptic solutions to flush the root canal clean.  A material called gutta percha is used to fill in the root canal that was cleansed.  Once the root canal is complete, a crown is typically needed to cover the exposed tooth.

Here at my Biological Cosmetic dental office, we typically refer patients in need of a potential root canal to one of our root canal specialists.  This ensures that the tooth has further testing to determine if a root canal is needed.  However, when individuals are health compromised or have a more holistic view on dentistry, we work in conjunction with their alternative health practitioner to determine alternative treatment options.

Stay tuned for my next blog which will discuss the potential problems that can arise with root canal therapy.

If you are interested in learning more about a more holistic approach to dentistry, please visit my Biological Dental office which is located just off of the 91-freeway in Riverside, California.  Contact us at (951)686-3666.