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Root Canal

Root canal treatment is also known as Endodontics. This is a dental treatment required when tooth decay or damage causes the pulp inside the tooth to become infected.

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Root Canal Treatment

The tooth decay or damage can be a result of an accident or lack of dental hygiene.

If not treated promptly, the infection can spread through the root canal and cause a dental abscess. In severe cases, extraction of the tooth becomes an option.

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What is a Root Canal Treatment?

At Sunset Plaza Dental, we make sure that the risk of failure is minimized by using our best-practice techniques and high-tech equipment to locate the ends of the roots. This ensures that the filling reaches the whole length of the root canal. We have also invested in specially designed fiber optic lights that the dentist may use with their magnifying surgical loupes for a much clearer and enlarged vision of the very small root canal openings.

We then isolate the tooth, usually with a rubber dam, to ensure that the field is kept as sterile as possible and that new bacteria contamination of the tooth by saliva is avoided. Maintaining a moisture-free, sterile environment when performing a root canal treatment is important as this prevents bacteria in the mouth from entering the canals.

Our root canal specialist then uses modern, flexible titanium pro taper files to ensure the canals are shaped efficiently. We only use our files once in order to minimize the risk of fracture and reduce the risk of cross-infection.

We use high-tech electronic apex locators to establish the length of canals accurately and to reduce the number of radiographs and, hence, radiographic dosage. We thoroughly clean the canals with powerful disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite and occasionally iodine to destroy any remaining bacteria inside the canals.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why will I need a root canal treatment when I don’t feel any pain?

    The fact that you don’t experience any pain does not mean your teeth may not be infected. Some people may experience a mild toothache, which goes away after some antibiotic treatment. However, it is only an endodontist who will be able to identify whether or not you require a root canal. Through clinical examination and routine radiography, it will be determined whether or not your pulps are infected and whether a root canal is needed. 

  • Why do I need to see an endodontist?

    Endodontists are dental specialists who have undergone specialized training in a dental school for two or more years. It is an endodontist who will clarify whether or not you need root canal treatment through the use of state-of-the-art technology like fiber optics, operating microscopes, digital imaging, and ultrasonic instrumentation.

  • How long does it take for a root canal treatment to be completed?

    Depending on the details of your case concerning the procedure, it can take about an hour or two for treatment to be completed. Usually, in just one visit, your treatment will be complete; however, you may be required to come in again for a second visit.

  • How painful is the treatment?

    The use of modern and advanced technology and techniques by endodontists has made the procedure virtually pain-free. Although some individuals might feel slight discomfort, most people have reported not feeling any pain during the treatment.

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