Root Canal Therapy KEARNY MESA, SAN DIEGO
At Kearny Mesa Smile Center, Dr. Paulo Cortes and his dedicated team proudly serve the communities near Kearny Mesa in San Diego – Dental Implants San Diego. We provide a wide range of services, including expert root canal treatments aimed at preserving natural teeth. By performing meticulous root canal procedures, Dr. Cortes can often rescue teeth from potential loss caused by infection. We are committed to delivering exceptional dental care to help you maintain a healthy and complete smile.
Why are Root Canals Performed?
Root canals are necessary to address infections that have penetrated the inner part of a tooth. Such infections can cause severe pain and, if left untreated, may lead to tooth loss. When you seek treatment from Dr. Cortes, he will utilize X-rays or other diagnostic tools to precisely locate the infection and proceed with appropriate measures to eliminate it.
The only effective way to eliminate this type of infection is by removing the infected nerve and pulp from inside the tooth. Dr. Cortes carefully removes the affected tissues and replaces them with a durable composite material that reinforces the tooth’s internal structure. To safeguard the tooth and prevent further decay, a temporary crown is placed over it, providing protection and sealing the treated area.
What Causes a Root Canal to Fail?
Root canals can occasionally fail when small pockets of infection are overlooked during the initial treatment. Within the nerve structure, there are intricate channels that extend deep into the tissue. If any infection becomes trapped within these channels, it may be challenging for the dentist to detect and remove it completely without extensive removal of pulp tissue.
In the event of a root canal failure, Dr. Cortes will remove the temporary crown placed on the tooth. He will then carefully re-access the tooth to locate and address any remaining infection. After completing the necessary steps, the crown will be replaced, allowing the tooth to heal. As the infection is effectively eliminated, you can expect a gradual alleviation of symptoms over a period of three or four days.
Why are Temporary Crowns Used?
Temporary crowns serve an important purpose in the dental treatment process. After a root canal procedure, Dr. Cortes places a temporary crown on the tooth. This temporary crown allows for easy removal in case the initial treatment did not completely eliminate the infection.
Once Dr. Cortes confirms that the infection is resolved and the tooth has fully healed, the temporary crown is removed and replaced with a permanent crown crafted from durable dental porcelain.
Unlike temporary crowns, permanent crowns are designed to be long-lasting. With proper care, they can endure for up to ten years or even longer without experiencing significant damage. The use of permanent crowns ensures the restoration of strength, functionality, and aesthetics to the treated tooth, providing a durable and natural-looking solution.