Jan
At the time of a toothache, patients need to visit a dentist in the Noe Valley, California area to assess the issue and determine the best possible solution. Toothaches may indicate a cavity or worse, an infection of the dental pulp inside of the tooth. When the problem runs deep, a dentist needs to perform root canal therapy.
Root canal therapy is performed to remove the dental pulp from inside the tooth, disinfect the canals, and seal the tooth so it can heal. The procedure essentially deadens the tooth as it removes the blood supply and nerves. However, it is a more desirable alternative to extracting the natural tooth and going through the time and expense of tooth replacement options such as dentures, dental bridges, or dental implants.
Root canal therapy is performed with access to the inner portion of the tooth. The dentist removes the dental pulp before disinfecting the area. Once this has been done, gutta percha is used to seal the tooth to keep it from becoming infected again. Composite resin bonding closes the hole, and in many cases, the fabrication of a dental crown is also done at the same time. The crown is bonded over the tooth and gives it an extra layer of strength and protection for the tooth.
If you have been diagnosed with an issue that may require root canal therapy, contact the team of West Portal Family Dentistry in the Noe Valley, CA area to speak to a dentist. Our practice can be reached by calling (415) 604-9292 or with a visit to 26 West Portal Avenue, Suite #4. We welcome new patients into our practice under the care of Drs. Terri Nguyen and Laura Huynh.