Lakefront Family Dentistry Blog

DO I NEED TO SEE A ROOT CANAL DENTIST?

When are Root Canals Necessary?

Root canal therapy is a necessary procedure that is done to save an infected or decayed tooth. This is done only in cases where the infection or decay is so extensive that it has reached the inner chamber of the tooth, the pulp. In these scenarios, a visit to a root canal dentist is the best way to ensure the survival of the tooth.

Dr. Derek B. Hauser, DDS, has successfully completed thousands of root canals on patients over the last 20 years. Trust your oral health to the leading general dentist and cosmetic dentist specialist in Riverside County, California.

Call (951) 244-9495 today for an appointment or make one online now and speak with an experienced root canal dentist.

after crowns are seated on both teeth and are abscess and pain free for life
after crowns are seated on both teeth and are abscess and pain free for life

Why Dental Pulp is Important

The outermost layer of the tooth is called the enamel layer. It is hard and able to resist great forces caused by mastication. It protects the inner layer, called the dentin. This is more pliant and yellowish in color. It also is the pulp’s last layer of defense. Once this is breached, it results in discomfort, infection and tooth death.

The pulp is a soft substance that houses nerves, blood supply and connective tissues. This area is not vital to the health of the tooth. However, it serves a sensory purpose and that makes it sensitive to foreign material.

When a carious lesion is deep enough, microorganisms can travel through the dentinal tubules to reach the pulp. A crack or a fracture in the enamel layer can lead to the same result. However, this can make the problem harder to spot.

So why can’t we just let the pulp wither and die? The answer is simple. It is connected to the circulatory system. Thus, what would seem like a small tooth infection can lead to a number of life-threatening conditions  if left alone.

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is done by someone who has a degree in endodontics, which is a dental specialization. Dr. Hauser keeps up with the latest education, certifications and holds the proper degrees for these treatments. Pulp removal is an intricate procedure that requires the dentist to remove the contents of all the canals.

Due to tooth anatomy, some canals are harder to spot. This is why x-rays are necessary, as they act like a map, allowing the dentist to see which areas should be removed.

The treatment involves the removal of any decayed enamel and dentin. Dr. Hauser uses this opening to gain access to the pulp. However, in cases wherein there is no decay, he will have to make a small opening.

All the contents are removed using tiny files and reamers. Once all the infected material is taken out, the chamber and canals are disinfected. The space must be filled to prevent breakage. This is done with a substance that serves as filler, called gutta percha.

CEREC While You Wait

The opening must never be left open, as this can cause further damage to the tooth. Therefore, a crown, inlay or onlay may be necessary, depending on the extent of the damage.

Dr. Hauser is a CEREC specialist with over 10 years of experience. He prefers CEREC restorations because they are safe, effective and cheaper, especially when a full crown is necessary, as the patient will not need a temporary crown.

Since CEREC technology allows dentists to fabricate crowns in less than 20 minutes, he can complete the therapy in just a single visit.

If you are a busy person who does not have a lot of time to spare and are in need of a root canal dentist, please call (951) 244-9495 to find out how Lakefront Family Dentistry can save your tooth.