A Step-by-Step Guide to Root Canal Therapy

Undetected decay can have serious consequences for a tooth. It’s only a matter of time before the infection spreads to the pulp of your tooth, cutting off its blood supply and damaging the nerves. At this stage, the only way to save your tooth is through root canal treatment. At All Coast Dental, Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos offer safe and effective root canal therapy to our patients in the San Diego, California, area. Here’s what you can expect from this treatment.

What is Root Canal Therapy, and What Does It Involve?

Root canals are often referred to as “dreaded dental treatments,” but they’re actually not as difficult as people think. By explaining the process in advance, your San Diego dentists can help relieve any anxiety or fear you may have about this procedure. If you’re wondering, “What is the purpose of a root canal,” simply put, it’s to save your tooth! Root canals help eliminate pulpal infections to help salvage your tooth. Otherwise, your tooth would have to be removed.

Here’s a synopsis of this often-misunderstood dental treatment:

Step 1 – Root Canal Prep

The first step is determining your need for root canal treatment. This is done by evaluating the condition of your tooth. If Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos feel a root canal is warranted, we’ll numb the afflicted area by injecting anesthesia into your gums and tooth roots. Then, we’ll isolate your infected tooth with a dental dam to keep bacteria from spreading throughout your mouth during treatment.

Step 2 – Drilling & Cleaning

When the anesthesia has taken effect, we’ll drill your tooth to access the infected pulp and tooth canals. Using special dental tools, we’ll remove the diseased pulp and all infectious tissues within. Once the pulp is removed, we’ll cleanse and disinfect the tooth canals to get rid of any remaining bacteria.  

Step 3 – Shaping & Filling the Canals

To prevent future infection, your root canals need to be reshaped and filled. Using small dental instruments, we’ll mold and shape the canals to accept the filling. Afterward, we’ll clean and sterilize the canals once again before filling them with gutta-percha material.

Step 4 – Filling of Access Hole/Antibiotics Prescription

The hole made by the drill to reach the pulp and canals also needs to be sealed to keep bacteria from reinfecting your tooth. Depending on the severity of your infection, we may prescribe antibiotics to eradicate all harmful bacteria that pose a risk to healthy teeth.

Step 5 – Dental Crown

A root canal tooth is often weak and fragile due to damage caused by the infection. To protect and strengthen its structure, we’ll cover your tooth with a dental crown. Crowning your tooth restores its usefulness for the future. With proper care, your tooth can provide you with many more years of quality use.  

Root Canal Therapy Near Me

Are you in need of a root canal? Contact Drs. Julie or Joseph Boulos from All Coast Dental in San Diego, CA at (858) 264-3002 to learn more about root canal therapy.