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Posts for: February, 2019
Your natural teeth help you bite, chew, speak and look like you. If one is compromised by decay, accident or infection, should you extract it? Dr. John Baron, your Santa Cruz dentist, believes in saving as many natural teeth as possible. So, he offers a wide range of restorative treatments, including comfortable and precise root canal therapy. Also called endodontic therapy, a root canal can bring your tooth back to full health and functionality.
What is a root canal?
It's actually a part of your tooth. A root canal, or narrow chamber, runs down each and every tooth root--up to four in all for large teeth, such as molars. Filled with blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves, a root canal is subject to injury, decay and infection, jeopardizing the overall health of the tooth.
A root canal treatment, or endodontic therapy, performed in your Santa Cruz dentist's office, removes this diseased or injured pulp, disinfects the canal and seals the area with biocompatible gutta-percha. A temporary filling or crown protects the treated tooth while a trusted dental lab fashions a permanent porcelain crown. Dr. Baron places the crown when your tooth is fully healed--about a week or so after treatment.
When is a root canal needed?
Dental fracture, abscess or multiple restorations may endanger the health of a tooth. Sometimes, a patient cannot tell a tooth is infected or cracked. He or she truly exhibits no symptoms, says the American Association of Endodontists. That's why semi-annual visits to the dentist are so important.
Other sickly teeth, however, may show many symptoms they need root canal therapy. Symptoms include:
- Enamel discoloration
- A raised, red pimple on the gums
- Foul-tasting drainage
- Extreme and recurring dental sensitivity to heat, cold, pressure or sugary drinks or foods
- An obvious crack or chip
- Toothache
If you have some or all of these symptoms, please call Dr. Baron right away for an evaluation.
Caring for your restored tooth
After a root canal treatment and crown placement, your tooth may be a bit tender for a few days. Treat it gently with soft foods and careful brushing and flossing.
For the long-term, be diligent about your at-home oral hygiene, and see Dr. Baron twice a year for exams and cleanings. Your renewed tooth can last for many years.
Call us
If you suspect you have an oral health issue, such as an infected tooth, or if it's simply time for your routine check-up, please contact Dr. Baron's office at (831) 426-9200. Your smile can look great and feel really good, too.
E. John Baron DDS, INC.
550 Water Street, Suite L-1
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 426-9200
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