If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how frustrating it can be. For some people, a simple dental filling may be all that is necessary — but for others, it may take a root canal to find relief. 

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Unfortunately, some misconceptions about root canals and fears surrounding the procedure make some people nervous enough to avoid it. This can lead to severe dental issues, including developing a tooth abscess or losing a tooth altogether. 

Read on to learn more about the importance of getting a root canal if you need one and where to find the best endodontist in Los Altos. 

When is a Root Canal Necessary? 

A root canal is necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected due to deep tooth decay. This can happen if you’ve had several dental procedures on the tooth or have a cracked or chipped tooth, among other reasons.

Common signs that you need a root canal include: 

  • Persistent tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Swollen or tender gums
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • Bumps on the gums 

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe dental problems, such as a tooth abscess — a deeper infection that can cause significant pain and further complications. 

Three Reasons Not to Avoid a Root Canal

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures. In fact, around 15 million root canal treatments are performed each year — helping countless individuals preserve their natural teeth and maintain good oral health. The top reasons you should consider getting a root canal include:

1. Get Relief From Tooth Pain

Undergoing a root canal provides significant relief from persistent tooth pain caused by a tooth infection or deep tooth decay. During a root canal, an endodontist removes inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth — effectively alleviating discomfort and allowing you to return to your daily activities without the burden of tooth pain.

2. Prevent Health Complications

Root canals also help prevent serious health complications. If left untreated, an infection within the tooth can spread to surrounding tissues, leading to abscesses, bone loss, and even systemic issues like sepsis.  

3. Save Your Tooth From Extraction

A root canal can save you from needing a tooth extraction and preserve your natural smile. A root canal can also prevent the need for more invasive and costly dental procedures such as dental implants or dental bridges.

Getting a root canal is a proactive step in protecting your oral health and overall well-being by helping to maintain the integrity of your natural teeth and supporting the proper function of your bite and jaw alignment. Additionally, promptly addressing dental issues that require a root canal will prevent you from needing more extensive and costly treatments. 

How is a Root Canal Performed?

A root canal procedure is typically performed by an endodontist or a general dentist and involves several key steps to ensure the tooth is properly treated and preserved. The steps of a root canal include: 

  • Examining the affected tooth and taking dental X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and determine the shape of the root canals.
  • Administering pain relievers into the gum line to numb the tooth’s nerves and surrounding area — this ensures that you are comfortable during the entire dental treatment. 
  • Your endodontist will then create an opening in the tooth's crown to access the infected or inflamed pulp inside.
  • Using specialized instruments, the endodontist carefully removes the infected dental pulp, bacterial infection, and any debris from the root canals. 
  • The tooth canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for filling.
  • The tooth canals are then filled with a biocompatible material — effectively sealing the canals to prevent future infection.
  • A temporary or permanent crown is then placed on the tooth to restore the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance.

A root canal procedure effectively removes infection, alleviates pain, preserves the natural tooth, and restores a tooth’s normal function, all in one procedure that takes around 60 minutes to complete. 

Where to Find the Best Endodontist for Root Canals in Los Altos

Dr. Beddawi and her team at The Modern Endodontist are experts in modern endodontic treatments, including root canals. With a reputation for high-quality care, Dr. Beddawi is committed to a patient-first approach that includes pain management and conservative treatment plans that focus on preserving natural teeth.

The team at The Modern Endodontist is dedicated to environmental responsibility — this is the driving force behind our state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral clinic. 

Ready to schedule a pain-free root canal with the best endodontist in Los Altos?