Root Canals in Cupertino, CA

Ryan Senft, DDS provides root canal treatment in Cupertino, CA. Call 408-996-8595 to learn more and schedule your appointment. 

Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but you’ll be relieved to know that endodontic treatment has advanced to the point where this is no longer the case. While you may experience some discomfort, you should not expect to feel pain. A root canal is a routine procedure that saves an infected tooth, eliminating the need for extraction and replacement. 

When an infection reaches the center of a tooth, it can cause a great deal of pain. This is because a tooth’s pulp is rich with blood vessels and nerve endings that make it particularly sensitive. During a root canal, we open up your tooth to access the tissue inside; we thoroughly clean it to remove the infection and then seal the tooth to prevent re-infection.

Infections may be the result of an injury, an untreated cavity, or cracks in the tooth structure that allow bacteria to reach the pulp. There are times when infection is so severe that the tooth must be removed, but the best possible outcome is for us to be able to save the infected tooth by performing a root canal. A root canal preserves function, integrity of the jaw, and appearance.

Before we start any work, we numb your tooth with local anesthetic. You will feel some pressure and movement during your root canal, but you will not feel any pain.

Once your tooth has been numbed, we will open it in order to reach the infected pulp. We remove this tissue, then irrigate the root of the tooth with water to make sure all signs of infection are removed. An antimicrobial solution is placed in the chamber of your tooth to prevent re-infection, then the chamber is filled.

To restore the exterior of your tooth, we use a tooth-colored filling or a tooth-colored ceramic crown, depending on the extent of repair needed.

In some cases, we may prescribe antibiotics for you to take after your root canal. Take these as directed. We will schedule a follow-up appointment for crown placement if needed. Your tooth will be sensitive for a few days after your root canal, but over-the-counter pain relievers, along with cold compresses and a diet of soft foods, are typically enough to alleviate any discomfort. 

While crowns typically need replacement eventually, the root canal itself can last a lifetime with proper care.

Call 408-996-8595 to schedule your appointment.