Root Canal Therapy - Stockton Dental

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.

In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
Sensitivity to hot and cold.
Severe toothache pain.
Sometimes no symptoms are present.
Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist)

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

Betty Dal Porto

Love Dr. LOUIE and her staff! Kind, professional and very caring!

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Stephanie H.

Dr. Louie and staff are always great. No issues booking appointments or follow-up care. Dr. Louie also called me after my dental procedure to check in and see how I was feeling. I’ve never had a dentist call to check in. I’m very pleased with the care I’ve received and have referred several family members as well.

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Very-very “pain-free” patient-oriented — Dr. Louie is the “bestest”!

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Dr. Louie is a phenomenal doctor and person. I have had the privilege of working with her professionally and personally. I highly recommend her and her services. You are in great hands and care with Dr. Louie and her team of professionals.

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As always, Dr Louie is amazing. Her office staff is very friendly and welcoming. It easy to transfer my kids services to her office, my kids and I were all seen at the same time which made it super convenient.

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I absolutely love going to my appointments! I recommend Stockton Dental Care for the whole family!

Michael

Absolutely painless experience, even the shot to numb you!!! I swear Dr. Louie is without a doubt the best dentist I’ve ever had. She legitimately cares for your well being, is passionate, and has an amazing heart for others! Thank you Dr. Louie!!!!

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The team at Stockton Dental Care are relational, caring, and provide excellent treatment and service. They are great!

Julia Padilla

Made my daughter feel calm and relaxed. She wasn’t as nervous as she normally is when going to the dentist

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Taylor Sanders

The staff is always so amazing and welcoming I know that when I leave here I’m going to feel completely satisfied every time.

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I used to hate going to the dentist but when I started going to Stockton dental care, now I look forward to my dental appointments. The staff is always so friendly. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!

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Dr Louie and her staff give exceptional care. Their professionalism, compassion and expertise in dental work are of the utmost quality. My family and I have been with Stockton Dental Care for many years and will continue to visit the practice for our dental needs. Thank you for always making me feel comfortable and valued.

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