Endodontics

Dentistry Delivered with Respect & Compassion for All

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Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, removes injured, inflamed, or infected pulp from a tooth root. Endodontics is an ideal solution for maintaining your natural smile, continuing to eat the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental work. With proper care, most teeth that have had endodontic treatment can last a lifetime.

At Bella Risa Dental, we provide highly effective endodontic treatment that will restore your beautiful smile. Our talented dentist, Dr. Iliana Hernandez, DDS, uses state-of-the-art technology and the latest anesthetic techniques that will ensure a pain-free and comfortable procedure.

What’s a Root Canal?

A root canal isn’t treatment but a part of a tooth – it’s the hollow section of the tooth that contains the pulp (a collection of nerve tissues, blood vessels, and other cells that nourish the tooth and help grow the root of your tooth during its development).

Endodontic treatment involves removing injured or infected pulp which is the best way to preserve the structure of the tooth. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. You may have a damaged pulp if you have pain in the tooth, swelling, and heat sensation in your gums.

How Does Pulp Damage Occur?

A crack or chip in the tooth
Deep decay due to an untreated cavity
Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
An injury to the tooth (the pulp can still be damaged even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth)

What Happens if a Root Canal is Left Untreated?

If left untreated, the infection in the tooth can spread along the gum line to your other teeth, turning the teeth yellow or black. The infection can spread to other areas of your body through your blood which can be life-threatening.

Endodontics Diagnosis and Treatment

Endodontics procedures can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. Here’s what you can expect when you come to Bella Risa Dental for root canal treatment:

Exam, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning: Dr. Iliana Hernandez, DDS, will examine the painful tooth and take X-rays to see the shape of the root canals, determine if there are any signs of infection in the surrounding bone, and confirm the diagnosis. We will then determine if root canal therapy is ideal for you and develop a treatment plan.

Root Canal Treatment: When you undergo root canal therapy at Bella Risa Dental, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Afterward, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection and will continue to function like any other tooth. The entire process is performed under anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable and relaxed.
Aftercare and Recovery: Root canal treatment is virtually painless and often leaves you with less discomfort during recovery than if you have your natural tooth extracted. However, some patients experience sensitivity, swelling, or inflammation for the first few days after the treatment. It may take several weeks to get used to how the tooth feels after the procedure; this is normal and has no cause for concern.

Benefits of Endodontic Treatment

Saving your natural tooth with endodontic treatment has many advantages:

Virtually pain-free procedure
Efficient chewing
Stops the spread of infection to neighboring teeth
Normal biting force and sensation
Natural appearance
Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain

Referral to an Endodontist if Necessary

An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in tooth pain, disease, and infection. They have extra training that helps them diagnose and treat tooth pain and perform root canals. If your root canal is complex, we may refer you to an endodontist.

Root Canal Treatment Cost

Generally, endodontic treatment is less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted. The cost of root canal treatment is typically covered fully or partially by insurance, so be sure to check with your insurance carrier about coverage before treatment.

Ready for Root Canal Treatment?

As you can see, having a root canal procedure isn’t scary or painful and can help restore a tooth for many years to come. We’re committed to ensuring that your experience at our Bakersfield, CA, dental practice is positive, comfortable, and virtually pain-free. If you think you may need root canal treatment or need more information about endodontics, contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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