Root Canal Specialist
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Modern Age Dentistry
Dentist located in West Hills, CA & Ojai, CA
Damaged and infected teeth are often very painful. For something so small, they can cause incredible discomfort. Don’t let your anxiety about treatment keep you from taking care of the problem. At Modern Age Dentistry serving patients in Atwater Village, Los Angeles, West Hills, Canoga Park, Ojai, Oak View, Los Feliz, Woodland Hills, and Calabasas, California, Dr. Alistair Saeghi performs quick and painless root canals in a single office visit.
Root Canal Q & A
What is a root canal?
Beneath the hard outer layers of your tooth is is soft tissue called pulp. Pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help the root of your teeth grow. Once a tooth fully develops, it is nourished by the tissue around it and can survive without pulp. When the pulp becomes damaged, inflamed, or infected, it is removed with a root canal. If the damaged pulp is left untreated, it can lead to extreme pain or an abscess.
During a root canal, Dr. Saeghi numbs the tooth with a local anesthetic. He then creates a tiny opening in the top of the tooth which he uses to access the diseased pulp. He clears away the pulp before cleaning and drying the area. Finally, he fills the hole with a temporary filling. After a few weeks, the tooth is usually covered with a crown or other type of restoration. Dr. Saeghi ensures you are comfortable and pain-free the entire time.
Do I need a root canal?
A thorough exam by Dr. Saeghi confirms the need for a root canal, but there are some common signs to look for. Pain is a common sign. It can be dull, sharp, constant, or intermittent. Some patients experience spontaneous pain or pain only while biting or chewing. Pain does not always mean root canal is necessary, but it does indicate something is going on that needs your dentist’s attention.
Tender, infected, or swollen gums can also be a sign that dental care is needed. The symptoms most indicative of the need for a root canal are an acute tooth flare up. With an acute tooth flare up, the patient experiences quick onset pain, intense sensitivity in the tooth, and swelling and pus near the damaged tooth. Because symptoms vary from person to person, Dr. Saeghi uses x-rays to confirm the death of your tooth’s root and the need for a root canal.
How do I care for my teeth after a root canal?
Caring for your tooth after a root canal is important to ensure infection doesn’t return. As always, be diligent about brushing and flossing. Stay on top of your regular check-ups. Dr. Saeghi usually recommends a follow-up appointment for x-rays to make sure all of the infection has been removed. If you are ready to be pain-free, schedule an appointment to see if root canal can help by calling Modern Age Dentistry or contacting the practice online.
