Root Canal

Root Canals

Are you experiencing a sharp, sudden pain, ache, or sensitivity in your tooth? While some tooth pain will resolve with something as simple as a dental cleaning or tooth filling, other cases could point to more severe dental concerns. One of the most effective ways to treat deep infections in a tooth is through a root canal.

Whether you have tooth pain or want to know more about the root canal dental procedure, our dental team is here to help. Our family and cosmetic dentist in Pleasant Hill, Kiran Chaudhri, DMD, is a leading dentist with over 30+ years of experience treating patients with tooth pain and toothaches.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal saves a tooth that has become severely infected or decayed. Inside every tooth is a soft inner layer known as the pulp, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. If there is inflammation or an infection in the pulp due to deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures, or a cracked tooth, it can result in extreme pain and even abscesses if left untreated.

During a root canal, your Pleasant Hill dentist, Dr. Chaudhri, will remove the infected pulp, clean the inside, and seal the tooth to prevent further infection. Contrary to its reputation for being “scary” or painful, modern root canal procedures are relatively quick and are performed under local anesthesia, making them no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling.

You should not ignore a tooth infection as it can become a more serious dental issue, including losing your tooth or spreading it to other areas of your body. While a root canal may sound intimidating, it is often the key to protecting your oral health and overall well-being.

Signs & Symptoms Of A Root Canal

Identifying the signs of a potential tooth infection early can help you seek treatment faster and avoid more serious complications. Below are some common symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal:

Persistent Tooth Pain

Pain is often the first red flag. If you’re experiencing ongoing discomfort in your tooth, whether a dull ache or sharp, shooting pain, it could mean the pulp is inflamed or infected.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

If you feel lingering tooth sensitivity when drinking hot coffee or enjoying an ice-cold drink, this could be a sign that the nerve of your tooth is damaged.

Swollen or Tender Gums

Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth could indicate an infection. You might also see a small pimple-like bump on the gums, which is known as a dental abscess.

Darkening or Discoloration of a Tooth

A tooth that becomes darker in color could mean the pulp inside is dying due to infection or trauma.

Pain When Chewing or Touching the Tooth

If eating or applying pressure to a tooth causes pain, it is time to schedule an appointment with our dentist, Dr. Chaudhri. This is another symptom of inflammation or infection in the tooth’s pulp.

If you are noticing any of these symptoms, consult your dentist immediately. Dr. Kiran Chaudhri, who has treated hundreds of root canals in Pleasant Hill, emphasizes, “The earlier we catch the issue, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.”

Benefits of Getting a Root Canal

While the idea root canals may make some people uneasy, the benefits are significant and far outweigh the temporary discomfort. Here’s why getting a root canal is worth it:

Pain Relief

The most immediate benefit is relief from the persistent pain caused by infection or inflammation. After a root canal, the culprit—your infected pulp—is removed, leaving you pain-free.

Saves Your Natural Tooth

A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted. Preserving your natural tooth means better oral function, an unaltered smile, and no need for costly replacements like implants or bridges.

Prevents the Spread of Infection

Ignoring a tooth infection can spread to other areas of your mouth, jaw, or even different parts of your body. Thankfully, a root canal will stop the infection in its tracks.

Restores Functionality

Once your tooth is treated and sealed, you can chew and bite into your favorite foods without pain or hesitation.

Schedule A Root Canal Consultation Today

Tooth pain can be stressful. Therefore, it is essential to understand what treatment options are meant to better your oral health. If you are in the Pleasant Hill area and might need a root canal, reach out to Dr. Kiran Chaudhri at (925) 682-2022 today. With years of experience and a patient-centered approach, our family and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Chaudhri, is committed to improving your oral health.