Root Canal Specialist
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Van Ness Family Dentistry
Dentist located in Lower Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA
When you hear the words “root canal,” fear may ensue. But it shouldn’t. A root canal can actually save a damaged tooth from requiring extraction. Dr. Vladislav Kamanin of Van Ness Family Dentistry in San Francisco offers expert root canal treatment with a gentle touch. Call or book an appointment online with his office today.
Root Canal Q & A
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental surgery to repair pulp, the soft tissue within your tooth. The pulp is located beneath a hard layer of dentin and the enamel of your tooth. Your tooth’s nerves, blood vessels, and tissues attached to the pulp. When the pulp is infected or inflamed, it can cause you to feel intense pain. Root canal surgery is a treatment to save your infected tooth without losing it.
Why do I need a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure to save a severely infected tooth by removing the pulp inside. The pulp can become infected by:
- Deep cavities
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Repeated dental procedures to a specific tooth
- Tooth injury
Teeth die for many reasons with gum disease being the primary culprit. But sometimes, a tooth dies for no reason. A dead tooth must be managed because it’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. It may not cause pain, but it’s a health concern.
What does a root canal procedure involve?
A root canal is a fairly simple procedure. It may require one to three appointments at Van Ness Family Dentistry. Dr. Kamanin numbs your gums and the infected area. He removes the infected or inflamed pulp, then meticulously cleans the interior of the root canal.
Dr. Kamanin fills and seals the area with a rubber-like material. He may wait a week before the sealing process to ensure the infection is thoroughly removed. If necessary, he may add a crown to restore the tooth.
Are root canals painful?
At the time of the procedure, Dr. Kamanin administers a local anesthetic to numb the area around your gums. Many patients say the procedure is no more painful than getting a filling. After the root canal, the anesthesia may leave your mouth numb for several hours. Your tooth may be sensitive or somewhat painful. Dr. Kamanin may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate pain.
You should have regular checkups to assess the health of your restored tooth. Even with the pulp removed, it can still breed gum disease or infections. You should maintain proper oral hygiene, brush twice a day, and floss at least one a day as preventive measures. With proper care, your restored tooth could last a lifetime.
