Root Canal Specialist

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a type of endodontic treatment that removes damaged or infected pulp from the center of a tooth.

Tooth pulp is a soft, malleable material that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It helps your permanent teeth grow in and allows for temperature sensations but isn’t necessary for their long-term survival. Once Dr. Afkham removes the pulp, the pain and swelling subside, preventing the need for an extraction. 

Why would I need a root canal?

Dr. Afkham uses root canal therapy to treat damaged or infected tooth pulp. Common causes of pulp-related issues include:

• Oral trauma
• Untreated cavities
• Chips, cracks, or other types of tooth damage
• Undergoing several complex dental procedures on a single tooth

Pulp problems don’t always present obvious symptoms in their early stages. If your gums become red, swollen, or warm to the touch, contact Davis Smile Center right away.

What does a root canal involve?

A root canal takes two appointments a week or two apart.

First appointment

Before recommending a root canal, Dr. Afkham conducts an oral exam, asks about your symptoms, and takes digital X-rays. He uses the X-rays to assess your tooth and to develop a course of treatment. 

Dr. Afkham administers a local anesthetic and makes a small access hole in the top of your tooth. He carefully removes the pulp and rinses the center of the tooth with a medical-grade antiseptic solution. After cleaning the tooth, Dr. Afkham fills it with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. 

When the gutta-percha dries, he takes impressions of your tooth with an intraoral scanner and applies a temporary crown to the top. Dr. Afkham sends your digital impressions to a dental laboratory that uses them to design and manufacture a custom crown.

Second appointment

When Dr. Afkham receives your crown, you return to the office. He administers a local anesthetic, removes the temporary crown, and replaces it with the permanent crown. After bonding the crown in place, he removes any excess material, polishes your teeth, and provides aftercare instructions.

What is recovery like after a root canal?

After a root canal, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort and increased tooth sensitivity. For the first 24-48 hours, avoid biting down on your treated tooth and eat only soft foods like mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs. 

Continue to brush and floss as normal, but do so gently. If the sensitivity persists, take over-the-counter pain medication or apply an ice pack to your cheek.

To see if you can benefit from a root canal, make an appointment at Davis Smile Center by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.