How will you know that you need a root canal? Look for these common warning signs…

Knowing when your smile could benefit from root canal treatment is incredibly important, as this simple procedure could just end up saving your tooth. While we know that no one wants to discover that they need a root canal, it’s much better to find out early on and to treat the problem than it is to have the damaged tooth extracted later on. Here are the top signs that it’s time to see our Santa Cruz, CA, dentist Dr. John Baron for treatment,

• You are experiencing a sharp, intense or throbbing pain in your tooth
• Your pain gets worse when chewing or biting down
• You notice a visible hole or discoloration in a tooth (a sign of deep decay)
• Your tooth is suddenly sensitive to hot or cold temperature, or sugar
• You notice a tooth is turning grey or getting darker
• You notice a pimple-like growth develop on the gums (a sign of an infection)
• You see that the gums around the tooth are red and swollen

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it’s imperative that you see our Santa Cruz, CA, family dentist right away for care. A toothache is considered a dental emergency, so the sooner you can get into our office the better. After all, everything from decay to an infection will only get worse unless it’s treated properly.

What is the purpose of a root canal?

The enamel and dentin layers protect the nerve inside the tooth; however, when a tooth has sustained an injury or has decay, the hard, outer layers can become damaged, making it possible for bacteria to enter the inside of the tooth and infect the nerve. Once the nerve or dental pulp of the tooth is inflamed or infected, the only option is to remove it. A root canal can remove the diseased tissue in order to save what’s left of the tooth.

Our goal as your Santa Cruz, CA, dentist is to provide you with the ultimate dental care you’re looking for in a welcoming, compassionate setting. No matter whether you need a root canal or a routine checkup, call us today at (831) 426-9200 to schedule your next visit.

Save your smile with the help of a root canal.

Root canals have certainly been the brunt of many jokes; however, not so much anymore. That’s because more and more people are realizing that this procedure is actually nothing to fear, and that is instead incredibly beneficial to maintaining a healthy smile. Here at the Santa Cruz, CA, office of dentist Dr. John Baron, we want you to know exactly what is entailed with root canal treatment—read on to learn more!

Save your smile

If our Santa Cruz, CA, dentist has discovered that you have infected or inflamed dental pulp, then a root canal is the only procedure that can address this problem. The sooner that you receive this care and remove the damaged pulp, the sooner that you can eliminate the trademark toothache associated with damaged pulp.

Say goodbye to pain

As alluded to above, one reason people come into our office between cleanings is to address toothaches. A toothache is a dental emergency that needs to be treated right away. While a toothache could mean lots of things including a cavity, a severe toothache that gets worse when biting down or is accompanied by random tooth sensitivity could be a sign that you need a root canal.

A root canal is performed under local anesthesia, which will numb the area around the tooth. Not only should you not feel any discomfort during your procedure, but this treatment also eliminates the pain caused by the infected tissue inside the tooth. During treatment, we will remove the diseased tissue, disinfect the tooth, and apply a sealant inside of the structure before placing a dental crown. After that, your smile will be healthy once again!

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.

If your dentist recommends a root canal, you may feel anxiety leading up to this simple and common procedure. However, there is no reason to fear a root canal. Proven by many years of use to be effective and safe, a root canal can repair your decayed or damaged tooth and even save the tooth’s structure, avoiding extraction. Find out more about root canal therapy and how it can benefit you with Dr. John Baron in Santa Cruz, CA.

What does root canal therapy do? 
Root canals repair damaged or decayed teeth which would often otherwise require extraction. The tooth’s inner pulp chamber, which houses the nerves which allow the tooth to feel pain, becomes infected and, in turn, causes a toothache. The root canal clears the inner tooth of the damaged tissue and removes the root, eliminating the toothache. Removing the damaged tissue from inside the tooth preserves the tooth’s outer structure below the gumline, allowing the tooth to continue to stimulate the bone in which it lies and preventing extraction-related issues like shifting teeth or bone atrophy.

Do I need a root canal? 
If you have a toothache, there is a good chance your dentist will suggest a root canal. However, your dentist may also recommend a root canal to avoid a toothache or other complications in the future. If your dentist catches a problem early, a root canal may be necessary to correct the issue and avoid complications down the road. Root canal therapy can also help save a tooth which has been damaged by trauma or injury.

Root Canal Therapy in Santa Cruz, CA
Lowering your chances of requiring a root canal is as easy as keeping your teeth decay-free and healthy. This means a strong at-home oral care routine and regular trips to see your dentist for preventative routine dental examinations and cleanings. Brush twice daily and floss at least once to ensure that you remove decay-causing plaque from the teeth before it can harden into tartar and cause decay. See your dentist at least twice a year to catch dental problems early and keep your teeth in the best condition possible.

For more information on root canals, please contact Dr. John Baron in Santa Cruz, CA. Call (831) 426-9200 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Baron today!

Find out how this simple treatment can go a long way to saving a tooth from irreparable damage.

No one wants to hear that they need a root canal. While a root canal may sound like a bad word, it is truly a great dental treatment that can prevent a tooth from needing to be extracted (and I think everyone can agree that they don’t want to have to deal with having a permanent tooth removed). Find out more about getting a root canal in Santa Cruz, CA, from our very own dentist Dr. John Baron.

A little background about your upcoming root canal procedure in Santa Cruz, CA, is always helpful. Inside the tooth is a structure known as the dental pulp. The pulp contains nerves, tissue and blood vessels. You could say that the dental pulp is the feeling part of the tooth. When something is wrong, whether it’s severe decay or trauma, the pulp is the area of the tooth that sounds the alarm and causes you pain. Pain is a warning sign that something isn’t right with your tooth and that you need to seek immediate care.

But why do I need a root canal?

A root canal is necessary if the pulp has become infected or inflamed. While a toothache doesn’t always signify that you need a root canal, it can often be a telltale sign that you will need one. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the diseased tissue inside the tooth and protect the tooth from further damage (all while eliminating the source of your pain). A root canal is an important procedure because it can actually save the tooth.

Once the dental pulp has been removed and the inside of the tooth has been thoroughly disinfected, we will refill the inside of the tooth and seal up the root canal to prevent bacteria from reentering. Most of the time a tooth that has had root canal treatment will also require a dental crown to protect it from further damage and to make it 100 percent strong again.

Whether you have questions about a root canal or you just need to schedule your next routine visit, turn to our Santa Cruz, CA, dental office for all of your dental needs. We are here to give you a smile that you will always be proud of.

Keep decay away with these healthy tips.

When it comes to taking care of our smiles, prevention is key. Luckily, we have a host of different ways to protect our teeth from decay and infection. Whether you’re teaching your child to adopt hygienic habits or you’re looking to find the best ways to keep your smile cavity-free, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the tried and true ways to maintain a healthy smile.

Your Diet Effects Your Teeth Too

Oral Care Instructions

Protect Your Smile

Schedule Routine Checkups

Dr. John Baron Gets to the Root of Root Canal Myths

Myth 1:  A root canal is painful

Myth 2: Extraction is better

Alleviate your pain with Root Canal Therapy in Santa Cruz! 

So, What is Root Canal Therapy?

Signs That You May Have an Infection

• Minimal to severe pain
• Tooth discoloration
• Swelling and irritation in the surrounding gum tissue
• Signs of infection visible on a radiograph

Are you experiencing pain in your mouth?  Schedule and appointment with Dr. John Baron today to find out if you need a root canal.