Root Canal in Rancho Cordova, CA

What Is a Root Canal?

Before considering any dental treatment, it’s important to understand what it involves. 

Your teeth aren’t just what you see on the surface. Inside, they’re complex, with supportive roots that reach deep into your jawbone. These roots house the nerves and blood vessels (the pulp) that keep your teeth alive. 

But sometimes, the pulp can become infected. When bacteria take hold, a root canal is necessary to treat the infection, relieve your pain, and save your tooth from extraction.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

Pain is a telltale sign, but it’s not the only one. Here are a few signals that your tooth might have an infection:

• Persistent tooth pain
• Swelling that makes your cheeks or gums look puffy
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Abscesses or tenderness
• Darkening of the tooth

If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t wait around. It’s time to schedule your root canal in Rancho Cordova, CA, so our dental team can save your tooth.

Root Canals Are Common

Did you know that dentists in the United States perform over 15 million root canal treatments each year? That’s a lot of saved smiles! This procedure is a routine part of dental care and an effective way to treat tooth infections and preserve natural teeth.

Regular dental check-ups often catch potential problems early on, reducing the likelihood of needing a root canal. But if the situation calls for one, remember, you’re in experienced hands with us at Marconi Dental Group.

Advancements in dental technology have significantly improved the comfort and success rate of root canals. Today’s techniques and tools allow for more precise and less invasive treatments, making the experience far less daunting than it might have been in the past.

The Root Canal Procedure Explained

A root canal is essentially a deep clean for your tooth’s roots. We’ll get in there, clear out the infected pulp, and clean out the canals of your tooth.

After the space is clean and disinfected, we’ll fill it up with a biocompatible material and seal it to protect against future infections. Most times, we’ll cap it with a crown to keep it looking good and functioning right. And don’t worry about discomfort — our modern techniques and anesthetics make sure you stay comfortable!

Why Choose a Root Canal Over Extraction?

Keeping your natural teeth is always our goal. Root canals help achieve that by treating the infection without removing the tooth. This approach maintains your natural bite, prevents other teeth from shifting, and saves you from needing more complex dental work later. Plus, nothing beats keeping your own teeth for a natural look and feel!

A root canal over an extraction prevents the potential bone loss caused by missing teeth. When a tooth is extracted and not immediately replaced, the jawbone in the area deteriorates, affecting the facial structure and the stability of neighboring teeth. A root canal in Rancho Cordova maintains the integrity and strength of the jawbone.

Root canal treatments are typically less invasive and require less recovery time compared to extractions that might need subsequent dental implants or bridges. That means you can get back to your normal activities quicker, without the extended healing periods associated with surgical extractions.

Recovery After a Root Canal

Worried about recovery after a root canal in Rancho Cordova? You shouldn’t be! Most folks bounce back fast!

After your root canal, you might have some tenderness, but nothing a little over-the-counter pain medication can’t handle. We’ll let you know what to do and what to avoid to promote optimal healing. Stick to softer foods for a bit, keep that tooth clean, and you’ll be back to normal before you know it.

Try to keep your head elevated, especially in the first few hours post-procedure to minimize swelling. Keep your head propped up with pillows when resting.

You need to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. And don’t use straws for the first few weeks. The sucking force can damage the treated tooth.

Follow up with us as recommended. These check-ups monitor your progress. If you experience anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to give us a call.