Have no fear – root canal therapy in San Francisco is gentle and quick

Mere mention of root canal therapy usually prompts a groan or grimace, but it actually feels about like getting a filling. Root canal therapy relieves the source of pain – infection, inflammation, and pressure inside the tooth. The dentists at West Portal Family Dentistry make root canal therapy as painless and efficient as possible for their patients in the San Francisco area.

Root canal Theraphy

When is root canal therapy indicated?

Each tooth has nerves in an inner pulp chamber. When outer tooth structure is compromised by trauma or deep decay, oral bacteria reach the pulp chamber, resulting in infection that irritates the nerve.

Signs that you may need root canal therapy are usually progressive:

  • Heat and cold sensitivity
  • Discoloration of the tooth
  • Gum tenderness
  • Significant tooth pain
  • Facial swelling

Dr. Nguyen and Dr. Huynh recommend having a tooth checked and treated before it becomes painful. Left untreated, infection may spread to the jawbone, and the tooth has to be extracted.

Patient comfort and convenience

We understand that our patients would rather not be in the dental chair any more often than necessary. Our dentists can usually complete root canal therapy in a single appointment, lasting no more than two hours.

Patient wellbeing is top priority at West Portal Family Dentistry. If you are in pain, the dentist first prescribes antibiotics to calm inflammation. The tooth is thoroughly numbed before treatment begins. Our patients also have the option of oral sedation, or IV sedation from a trained anesthesiologist.

Following root canal therapy, a crown is placed to protect and strengthen the tooth. With normal good oral hygiene, the tooth and the restoration can last for many years.

If you have a tooth that you think might need root canal therapy, please don’t delay. Call (415) 604-9292 for an appointment at West Portal Family Dentistry in San Francisco.

Dr. Terri Nguyen has over 20 years of expertise in the field of dental practice

A graduate from UC San Francisco with a Doctor of Dental Science degree, Dr. Terri M. Nguyen has over 20 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is known for her caring and passionate nature towards her patients whilst having a wealth of knowledge and technical skill.

Dr. Nguyen continues to update herself with newer and tested treatment methods and technology to ensure that she is capable of delivering the best possible service to her clients. Her areas of specialty include root canal therapy, implant dentistry and cosmetic treatment. She is also a prestigious member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Dr. Tiffany H. Nguyen grew up in Santa Clara. She studied dentistry at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, with over 6 years of expertise in the field of dental practice. She is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA).

As a Bay Area native, Dr. Tiffany Nguyen is excited to settle in the West Portal neighborhood and serve her community.

Dr. Tiffany Nguyen has over 6 years of expertise in the field of dental practice
Dr. Laura Huynh dedicates herself to providing the highest level of dental care to patients

Dr. Laura T. Huynh dedicates herself to providing the highest level of dental care to patients of all ages. While she has over 15 years of experience in all areas of general practice, she especially enjoys pediatric dentistry and cosmetic dentistry for adults.

A UC Irvine graduate, Dr. Huynh obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Arthur Dugoni Dental School at University of Pacific. She stays on top of the latest trends and technologies in dentistry by following continuing education courses annually. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and San Francisco Dental Society.