Root Canals

You know when bacteria attack the nerve at the root of one of your teeth, the tooth becomes infected and painful! This infection can happen when decay is not treated early and it reaches the nerve, or when you break a tooth exposing the nerve. Even old trauma, a tooth you bumped years ago, can die over time, becoming discolored and infected.

A root canal is a dental procedure to alleviate your pain, save the tooth, avoid extraction, and preserve the normal function of the tooth. Many people believe that a root canal is a painful treatment, but in reality, it is no different than having a filling. At Zen Dental, we strive to make the experience as comfortable as possible. We know that the infection is a painful situation. We first cool that “hot tooth” with antibiotics and pain medications. Once it is soothed, the root canal is not a traumatic experience.

The infected tooth can be compared to a bottle of champagne that has been shaken. We numb the area and Dr. Khorsandi opens the tooth. Just like popping the cork on the champagne, this relieves the pressure in the tooth. We clean out the bacteria and place sterile material inside to prevent further infection and to fill the hollow.

You’ll feel more comfortable right away. And we’ll recommend additional pain medication, over-the-counter or prescription, if needed for the next few days until you are back to normal.

Following a root canal, posterior teeth, back molars that endure a lot of bite pressure, are usually crowned for additional strength. Anterior (front) teeth may be filled with composite resin or bonding material.

An infected tooth is a painful, emergency experience that no one wants. If it happens to you, let the trained professionals at Zen Dental act quickly to relieve your discomfort and provide a long-lasting restoration. We’ll have you smiling again in no time!