Basic root canal therapy involves drilling into the damaged tooth, removing infected tissue from the inside, and replacing it with medicated packing. To protect the tooth and to maintain its appearance, our dentist in San Francisco may also place a crown over it. All of this is guided by X-rays and photos that are taken beforehand.
In some cases, our dentist may recommend endodontic surgery instead. Depending on the findings in the X-ray, surgery may involve entering the tooth from below or it may require removing the tooth for treatment and putting it back into place afterwards.
Root canal treatment has an undeserved reputation for being painful. In reality, endodontic care is no more uncomfortable than most routine procedures, such as dental fillings. With fast resolution of pain, prevention of systemic infection and avoidance of extraction combined, it is important to justify this treatment for a majority of patients. At a consultation with our endodontist in San Francisco, patients can learn more about what endodontic care may involve.