Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Severe toothache pain.
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present.
  • Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

"The dentists at this family owned practice are excellent! They explain each step, warn you ahead of time if any pain or discomfort will result in the procedure, and are gentle, patient, and respectful. My child actually loves visiting the dentist! The hygienists, and front office staff are also very kind and wonderful people. I've been going to this practice since Dr. Kevin Calvert's father had the practice; now Dr. Kevin's son-in-law, Chris Walton, is in practice with him, and has the same kind and patient personality. I have recommended this practice to many people, and will not hesitate to do so in the future."

DL, San Jose

"I could not say more great things about this dental office! I have been going to them my whole life, and I am pretty much the only person I know that absolutely loves going to the dentist. Every person here is amazing!! Dr. Calvert has been taking care of my teeth since the beginning. Dr. Chris Walton is now working here as well! He is so gentle and patient!! WONDERFUL! I have recommended so many people to this dental office and they couldn't be more grateful! My fiance is quite excited to start going to Dr. Calvert and Dr. Walton. Thank you for keeping my teeth healthy!! The office is impeccably clean. Very comfortable atmosphere. EXTREMELY kid-friendly office. They are very accommodating to those uncomfortable with dentists. Couldn't imagine a better group of people working on my teeth!!"

BW, San Jose

"nice, patient, and knowledgeable, so calm and serene! 5 Stars for Dr. Calvert"

JV, San Jose

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