With more than 14 million performed each year, root canals are among the most common dental procedures.
At the center of each of your teeth is pulp, a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth and keep the tooth alive. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. If the pulp becomes severely infected, a root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent the need of dental implants and bridges.
As a preliminary measure, your dentist will most likely recommend non-surgical treatment to eliminate the infected pulp. The success rate for this method is usually about 90 percent. If, however, your tooth is not responsive to endodontic treatment or the treatment is unsuccessful, a root canal must be performed. To help ease discomfort, we will provide local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia if needed.
After your root canal, you will be able to drive home, and you will most likely be comfortable returning to normal activities. Post-procedure, a record of your treatment will be sent to your restorative dentist. It is your responsibility to contact their office for a follow-up appointment within a few weeks of your root canal. It is rare for root canal patients to experience complications after the procedure, but the team at Pannu Dental is available for emergencies at all times.
Dr. Dalvir Pannu is a cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist at Pannu Dental Care, located in Fremont, San Jose, Cupertino, and Dublin, California. Call your neighborhood Pannu Dental Care office for more information or to schedule an appointment.
