Save your tooth with a root canal in Manhattan Beach, CA

When a tooth has suffered severe decay, trauma, or infection, your dentist may recommend a root canal to save the tooth. At Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions, our dental team is very familiar with the groans that the phrase “root canal” can elicit, but in reality, the procedure is comfortable and can relieve tremendous pain so you can get back to your normal life.

Root canals explained

At our Manhattan Beach, CA dental practice, patients often ask us if a root canal is necessary and if getting the tooth extracted is a better option. We completely understand why our patients are asking these questions and are happy to explain!

First, a discussion of your tooth’s structure can be helpful in understanding how a root canal works and how it saves your tooth. The top part of your tooth that you see above the gum line is called the “crown,” and the structure that is embedded in the gums and jawbone is called the “root.” Each tooth root has an anatomic space called the “root canal,” which contains pulp tissue, pain-sensing nerves, and blood vessels.

Sometimes, a tooth is damaged severely enough that these inner portions of the tooth become extremely painful and irreparable. This can happen due to any of the following:

• Traumatic injury, sometimes many years before you develop symptoms
• Decay that has reached the inner portion of the tooth
• Development of an infection that can affect the nerves or other underlying tooth structures
• A chip or crack in the tooth
• Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, which can weaken and damage the tooth over time

During a root canal procedure, the endodontist drills a small hole into the crown of the tooth to access the inner chamber. The contents of the root canal are then removed, including the nerves that are causing you pain and any inflammatory or infected materials. After thoroughly cleaning the area, the dentist then fills the inside of the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta percha, and then seals the tooth. Typically, a crown is placed on top of the treated tooth to protect it from further damage.

When you take care of a root canal-treated tooth with daily brushing and flossing, it can last the rest of your lifetime. Even though the nerve has been removed from the tooth, the neighboring teeth compensate for it, enabling you to chew foods and sense temperatures with confidence.

Why root canals are better than extractions

Why go through all the steps of a root canal when you could just pull a tooth out and replace it? Simply put, there is no substitute for a natural tooth. While dental technologies have come a long way and we have fantastic tooth replacement options available nowadays, such as dental implants, natural-looking bridges, and even implant-supported dentures, these options all have their limitations – not to mention that they can take quite a bit of time in the dental chair and take a toll on your budget. Nothing will feel and function exactly like a normal tooth. If you don’t replace a lost tooth, such as one in the back of your mouth that people won’t notice is missing, your oral health will suffer. Without a natural tooth in place, your jawbone deteriorates in that area and your other teeth will shift to fill the space. Missing teeth can even affect your physical appearance, leading to a hollowed-out look in your face and the appearance of premature aging.

Call us to schedule an evaluation

If a dentist has recommended a root canal or you are suffering from tooth pain, we encourage you to call us as soon as possible to schedule an evaluation. The sooner you treat your damaged tooth, the more likely it is that you will be able to save it. At Manhattan Beach Dental Solutions, we combine a gentle touch with skill and precision so that you can get relief from your pain and get back to your normal life with a smile that looks as great as it feels. Our office is conveniently located in Manhattan Beach, CA so that Southern California residents can easily access dental care, and we can be reached at 310-340-6663. Call us today!

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