Patients in Redwood City, CA enjoy an effective treatment with root canal therapy

When patients need effective treatment for diseased, infected, or injured teeth, they may be told that they will benefit from root canal therapy. Patients in the area of Redwood City, Atherton, and San Carlos, CA are welcome to visit the team at Peninsula Dental Implant Center to discuss the advantages of using endodontic therapy to save a natural tooth in a safe and appropriate manner.

What is root canal therapy?

Dr. Shivani Gupta describes root canal therapy as a treatment that is performed to maintain the natural tooth structure while addressing an issue within the tooth. Root canal therapy may be done if there has been:

• Diseased nerves
• Inflammation
• Infection
• A large cavity
• Injury to a tooth
• An abscess

All of these issues may result in a problem with the dental pulp inside of a tooth which houses the nerves and blood supply. This can cause a toothache or other complications that may affect the patient. To treat the problem, there are two options: root canal therapy or extraction. An extraction requires patients to consider replacement options such as implants, bridges, or dentures and is not reversible. However, many patients prefer to maintain their natural tooth to avoid these extra costs and procedures. Root canal therapy allows patients to do this while addressing the problem at hand.

During root canal therapy, the dentist first provides local anesthetic and proper sedation for patient comfort. Then, a very small hole is made into the tooth to allow Dr. Shivani Gupta to access the inner portion of the tooth, which includes the dental pulp. This mass of tissues is removed with a special instrument, and the inner canals are disinfected to remove any bacteria and infection. Following this, the canals are filled with gutta-percha. This is a material that fills the canals and keeps the area sealed. Composite resin seals off the top of the tooth, and patients may be fitted for a dental crown to provide an extra layer of protection. This is due to the tooth structure often becoming brittle to the point that it can break or crack. This would then require removal. The dental crown is a great preventative measure to ensure the tooth is protected from further damage.

How long does root canal therapy take?

The procedure itself is done in just one appointment. However, if Dr. Shivani Gupta feels as though patients may need an extra layer of protection, the crown placement can extend the time needed. Once root canal therapy is done, a portion of the natural tooth enamel may be removed. Then, an impression is taken to create a mold of the tooth to fabricate the dental crown. This is done in a dental laboratory where the crown is made with the specifications set forth by the dentist. Once the dental crown is received, it is bonded over the tooth. When this is done, the process can take a few weeks.

Who is a candidate for root canal therapy?

When problems arise with the natural tooth, it is important for patients to ask about appropriate treatment options, which may include root canal therapy. Most patients who have a problem with a tooth that may otherwise require extraction are often great candidates for undergoing root canal therapy. The best way to determine this is to come into the practice of the Peninsula Dental Implant Center for a consultation visit with Dr. Shivani Gupta. She can assess the patient and take x-rays to check the health of a tooth and determine if root canal therapy is best for their specific needs.

Speak to Dr. Shivani Gupta about the benefits of root canal therapy

Treatment for abscesses, infected dental pulp, and injury to a tooth may require root canal therapy. Dr. Shivani Gupta and her team at Peninsula Dental Implant Center are here to assist patients in their time of need with effective treatment options. Contact the practice by calling (650) 232-7650 and visiting the office at 1201 St. Francis Way in San Carlos, CA. We also serve patients in the areas of Redwood City, CA and Atherton, CA.

Share this Article