30
May
Five reasons why a root canal dentist might suggest endodontic treatment for your smile
The team at Brentwood Dental Care in Los Angeles, California, provides more than general dentistry procedures. Drs. Don Mungcal and Alyssa Hanel also offer endodontic therapy solutions, such as root canals, for patients, avoiding the need for a referral to another specialist in the Brentwood, California, area. Let’s look at this service and when it might be needed.
What is endodontic treatment?
Sometimes referred to as endodontic therapy or a “root canal,” endodontic treatment is described as a dental procedure that involves removing both infected and/or damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, which are important for the growth and development of teeth but can become inflamed or even infected due to various reasons, including deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, trauma to the tooth, or cracks/chips in the tooth.
During endodontic treatment, our providers carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp using specialized tools and clean and shape the inside of the tooth’s root canals. After this process is complete, the root canals are filled with gutta-percha to seal them and protect them from further damage. A dental crown may also be positioned over the tooth as an extra layer of strength.
Five reasons you might require endodontic treatment
The root canal process is often necessary to save a tooth. Below are five common reasons why our team might suggest endodontic treatment for a patient:
- Large or deep areas of tooth decay. One of the most common reasons for endodontic treatment is deep decay within the tooth. When bacteria reach the soft tissue inside the tooth, known as pulp, they can cause infection and inflammation. If left untreated, this can lead to severe pain and even abscess.
- Cracked or chipped tooth. If the damage extends into the pulp, a cracked or chipped tooth might require endodontic treatment. The crack or chip could allow bacteria to enter and cause infection or inflammation in the pulp.
- Trauma. A tooth injury, such as a hard blow to the mouth, can also damage the pulp. Endodontic treatment is necessary to prevent infection and save the tooth if this occurs.
- Repeated dental procedures. Sometimes, repeated dental procedures on a tooth can cause damage to the pulp over time. This could be due to multiple fillings, crowns, or other treatments that put stress on the tooth’s pulp.
- Failed root canal therapy in the past. The procedure may not have been successful for patients who have had a root canal treatment in the past, and the infection could persist. Endodontic retreatment may be necessary to clean out the infected pulp fully and save the tooth.
Where can I find a quality dentist near me who performs root canal therapy?
Brentwood, CA area patients who need endodontic treatment and are seeking a dental provider who can offer it are encouraged to contact Drs. Don Mungcal and Alyssa Hanel to request a consultation appointment and discuss their needs. Brentwood Dental Care is located at 11600 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite #520, and can be reached to request an appointment by dialing (310) 444-9900 or by emailing us at info@brentwooddentalcare.net.