Relief from painful damage and more through root canal therapy: A guide to saving even severely damaged teeth.

Endodontics refers to any treatments or services that deal with the innermost tissues inside of the teeth. The best-known and most common of these treatments is root canal therapy (RCT). The “root canal” is often dreaded. But, the reality is that such nonsurgical therapy is a “superhero” of the dental world. It allows dentists like our Drs Chitra Tiruveedula and Joseph C. Yang at Advanced Dental to save even badly damaged or infected teeth. Without such intervention, these teeth would have to be extracted. And by leaning into our practice’s advanced techniques and technologies in Aliso Viejo, California, the best outcomes and experience associated with root canal therapy are supported.

What is root canal treatment exactly?

When the treatment for root canal works (as it does more than 95% of the time), the infected or diseased tissue within the root — its pulp — is removed and cleaned, the tooth is filled, and a crown or cap is placed.

Am I a good candidate?

Teeth that wouldn’t have been saved a few years ago can be saved now. This includes teeth that have been fractured or are deeply decayed, with severe inflammation and infection of the innermost pulp tissue; however, not every tooth is a candidate for a root canal. No treatment is 100% universally appropriate for all patients with similar needs or concerns. For instance, your unique root canal anatomy can present challenges to proper healing. But, even then, dentists and specialists may still “save” the treated tooth with retreatment options or surgical endodontic procedures.

What can I expect from treatment?

If RCT is needed to resolve painful symptoms and restore a healthy, functional tooth, treatment begins by numbing the site with a localized anesthetic. The numbing involved is no different than when we “prepare” your tooth for cavity repair with a dental filling. Once you are fully numbed, the inside of the tooth is opened and accessed with special instruments and techniques. Here again, you feel nothing as the damaged tissues are removed, and the canals are sterilized and closed off to protect against further damage that can threaten the tooth.

What can I expect afterward?

Your mouth be tender. We can advise you on steps to take in the days following treatment, which may involve refraining from chewing on the side of the tooth that was treated. Now, typically, RCT is followed with the placement of a temporary restoration, usually a crown or cap. As you heal and the infection subsides, a permanent crown will be created, placed, and secured to reinforce the treated weakened tooth.

How do I care for the tooth?

Just like your natural teeth! No special care is needed. Be sure to maintain consistent and good brushing and flossing at home, as well as regular checkups at Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, CA. Call (949) 289-9993 to schedule your first or next appointment today, and do not wait or “sit on” any changes that could indicate damage to your tooth – such as sensitivity when drinking cold beverages or jarring pain when biting down.

Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula

Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula

Connect on Linkedin

Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.

Dr. Joseph C. Yang

Dr. Joseph C. Yang

Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.