If you have upcoming root canal treatment, you undoubtedly have questions. At Madera Family Dental Care in Madera, CA, your dentist, Dr. Ahmed Elsayed, wants you fully informed on this important restorative treatment. Here's what root canals are all about.

Root canals save teeth

A root canal treatment--also called endodontic therapy--avoids the nasty and long-lasting problems associated with tooth loss. With over 15 million of these tooth-sparing treatments done annually in the US, the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) assures patients of all ages that the procedure is safe, comfortable, and best of all, effective.

How root canal therapy works

Root canal therapy removes the inflamed pulp from the interior chamber and narrow root canals in a tooth suffering from:

• Decay or multiple restorations
• Infection due to infiltration with bacteria
• Loss of structure from oral trauma
• Weak size and shape (a peg-shaped lateral incisor is a prime example)

Dr. Elsayed examines the tooth and X-rays it to determine its long-term viability. If it can be saved, your dentist will advise a root canal treatment performed in his Madera, CA, office.

Root canal therapy doesn't hurt

Dr. Elsayed makes sure of it. Before opening the tooth to access the canals, he injects the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. You'll literally feel nothing as he removes the diseased pulp from each canal.

After the canals are cleaned and disinfected, the dentist seals them with a natural putty called gutta-percha. A temporary crown goes over the tooth until your permanent crown is ready. In the interim, you'll heal at home, taking over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed for a day or two.

When you return to Madera Family Dental Care in a week to ten days, Dr. Elsayad removes the temporary restoration (that doesn't hurt either) and installs your beautiful new crown. That completes the treatment.

Take care of your renewed tooth

After root canal therapy, take care of your tooth with careful flossing and brushing every day. Avoid foods, such a peanut brittle, and habits, such as nail-biting, which could dislodge your porcelain crown. Also, get your check-ups and cleanings faithfully. Most teeth restored with endodontic therapy last as long as other natural teeth say the AAE.

Contact us

Make your appointment for your root canal. Call Madera Family Dental Care in Madera, CA, at (559) 661-4114. Your dentist, Dr. Ahmed Elsayed, and his team will answer any additional questions.