Root Canals

The enamel or hard outer shell of the tooth houses the pulp, or blood vessels and nerves. The canal of the tooth is the name for this area. Tooth decay that penetrates to the canal of the tooth can cause damage to the pulp and the associated nerves and vessels. The result is pain. Root canal therapy, or endodontics, is a procedure for cleaning out the nerve and canals and applying a filling. Root canal therapy may be needed when the following symptoms occur:

  • Pain that is spontaneous
  • Pain when chewing or biting
  • Sensitivity to temperature

If left untreated, decay can spread to the bone around the tooth, causing an abscess. This infection cannot be reversed and will continue to spread until the jawbone begins to deteriorate. Pain will increase until dental attention is sought. Extracting the tooth may be necessary. Permanent damage such as the misalignment of teeth as they begin to shift can occur. It is far better to seek treatment early and avoid the necessity of extracting the teeth. Root canal treatment has a high success rate and is proven to be effective in preserving the life of a tooth. A local anesthesia makes the procedure painless. Our experienced LA dentist, Dr. Javdan, is highly skilled in providing root canal therapy.