Root Canals in Los Gatos, CA
Root Canal Procedures in Los Gatos, CA
When you have a tooth that is severely damaged, decayed, or infected, your options are to either have the tooth extracted and replaced by a prosthetic or undergo a root canal procedure. Root canal therapy is a safe, effective alternative to tooth extraction and can remove decayed and infected material to restore the health of your tooth. Aaron Santos Dentistry has an endodontist on staff who has extensive specialized training and experience in performing root canal treatments. Dr. Santos can determine if you are a good candidate for root canal therapy. Call our office to schedule a consultation for a root canal in Los Gatos, CA.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment option for an infection of the tooth pulp. An infection can occur if tooth decay, dental cavity, or cracked or damaged tooth is untreated. During a root canal, all infected and decayed material is removed, and the tooth and canals are cleaned and disinfected. After a root canal, a crown is placed over the tooth to improve its strength and reduce the risk of further damage.
Recognizing Root Canal Symptoms
Recognizing the signs that you need a root canal can help you get treatment quickly before the infection spreads. The most common signs you need a root canal are:
- Persistent, severe tooth pain that doesn’t go away with medication
- Pain that spreads to your jaw, face, or other teeth
- Tooth pain combined with swelling and/or a fever
- Increased pain or a shooting pain when you touch your tooth, apply pressure, or eat
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- A pimple or boil on your gums that oozes pus
- A bad taste in your mouth or bad breath
- A swollen, stiff, or tender jaw
- A discolored or dark tooth
- A loose tooth that feels like it is going to fall out
- A dental abscess, or a pocket of pus around your tooth that causes pain, swelling, oozing pus, sensitivity to hot and cold, fever, a bad taste, and bad breath
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Before scheduling a root canal, we will do a full examination and take dental x-rays. We will conduct tests to determine the extent of your infection and assess the health of your tooth pulp, nerve, and root. If you are a good candidate for a root canal procedure, we will explain what to expect and answer any questions you have. We will then schedule your procedure.
Before you undergo a root canal, we will administer local anesthesia to numb the tooth and gums. We may also administer dental sedation. We will then drill a small hole in the crown of your tooth. We will use this hole to access your dental pulp and remove any decayed, infected, or diseased material. We will then clean and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canals and fill them with dental putty. Then, we will seal your tooth with a dental filling and place a dental crown on top of the tooth.
What to Expect from the Root Canal Recovery Process
Most people recover from a root canal within a week. You may experience mild discomfort, including pain and swelling, for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. You should eat soft foods and avoid extremely hot or cold foods or beverages. You should not use tobacco products or drink alcohol for at least a week after your procedure. You will need to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine after a root canal to prevent future tooth decay and infection. You will also need to come back to our office to have a permanent dental crown placed and get regular dental check-ups to maintain your oral health.
Why Choose Aaron A Santos DDS
Aaron A Santos DDS offers comprehensive, compassionate dental care to patients aged two and older. Our family dentistry services include general and preventive dental care, dental cleanings and exams, periodontal disease treatment, pediatric dentistry, emergency dentistry, and cosmetic and restorative dentistry. We specialize in root canal therapy and extractions, dental implants, dentures, crowns and bridges, and more. Our dentists have years of experience and are highly skilled. Our staff of dental professionals offer personalized, patient-centered care in a comfortable, state-of-the-art dental clinic.
Schedule a Consultation for Root Canal Therapy
Call us now or contact us online to schedule a consultation for root canal therapy in Los Gatos, CA. We can evaluate your teeth and gums and determine if you have an infection, dental cavity, tooth decay, or dental trauma. We can then recommend a root canal procedure or tooth extraction.