Root canals are often thought of us a painful, undesirable procedure. While it is best to be able to avoid the need for a root canal procedure, Los Angeles dentists such as Dr. Mungcal will sometimes have to pursue this as an option for patients who are having difficulties. Sometimes, the reason for a root canal is out of a patient’s control.
There are many reasons why a patient may need to undergo a root canal procedure. Los Angeles office of Downtown Dental performs hundreds of root canals a year. The procedure itself is relatively simple, and can be done within a short amount of time. Patients are properly numbed for the procedure, and those who are extremely fearful or anxious may even benefit from the addition of oral sedation. This can be decided well before the procedure during the initial consultation appointment with the dentist.
Patients may need root canals due to an infection around or in the tooth that affects the nerves. The nerves are housed inside the tooth within the dental pulp, and are the cause of pain and discomfort that may bring the patient to the dentist’s office. The dental pulp can also be affected by a deep cavity that has reached the innermost portion of the tooth and will then require the removal of the dental pulp. If a patient’s tooth is chipped, broken, or fractured, it may not be able to be fixed with a simple dental filling. Situations like this may require root canal therapy if infection sets in. Anytime the dental pulp of a tooth is affected, patients will likely experience pain and may need to discuss the possibility of a root canal with their dentist.
In order to determine the need for a root canal, Dr. Mungcal will first perform a thorough examination, and may take x-rays to determine the cause of the problem. A root canal is often the preferred course of action, as it allows the patient to keep their natural tooth even though the pulp has been removed. The tooth will then be brittle and may require a dental crown over the top for protection, but this is a better alternative to extracting the entire tooth and considering restorations to replace it.
If you are in pain and think you may be in need of a root canal, call Dr. Mungcal of Downtown Dental today. You may be able to find relief thanks to root canal therapy, and will find that the procedure itself is simple and painless.
