Root Canals

If you have ever had root canal pain, you know that it can be excruciating. You’re in so much pain because an infection has spread to the sensitive nerves of your teeth. At this point, the only solution is root canal treatment at Gorrell Smiles to remove the infection that’s causing your pain. Without a root canal, our dentists would eventually need to extract the tooth.

The Truth about Root Canals

We need to perform root canal treatment to remove the infection that's causing you so much pain. Unfortunately, many people associate the pain of the infection with the procedure itself. But the fact is that the only thing that will relieve your pain is to remove the infection with root canal treatment.

While it’s great to learn that it isn't the procedure that's painful, you may still be apprehensive. Keep in mind that we’ve seen amazing steps forward in dentistry in recent years; advancements like state-of-the-art dental technology and sedation dentistry work hand in hand to streamline your appointment and improve your comfort.

Add to this the undivided attention of a highly skilled and experienced dental team, and you can be confident that your procedure will be no more stressful than having a tooth filled.

Why You Need a Root Canal

Inside your tooth, beneath the layers of enamel and dentin, is the pulp that carries nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. Bacteria can reach the pulp because of a deep cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, or dental trauma, and cause an infection. The most obvious symptom is pain that worsens over time.

The goal of a root canal is to remove the infected pulp. Doing so eliminates your pain and saves a tooth that we would otherwise need to extract.

What Happens during a Root Canal

Before we begin your procedure, we’ll make sure your mouth is numb and that you are comfortable. If you need some help relaxing, our dentists can prescribe a sedative for you to take before you arrive for your appointment.

During the procedure, our dentists remove the infected pulp and disinfect the tooth. They fill the space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha, then place a temporary filling on the tooth. In most cases, we recommend adding a dental crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from further damage.

We Care about Your Comfort

We know that dentistry is stressful for many people, and root canals, in particular, can make even the most confident patients nervous. Our team cares about your comfort and does everything to make your time with us as pleasant and stress-free as possible.

In addition to a team who puts your needs first, you’ll also enjoy all the comforting amenities we offer at Gorrell Smiles. Blankets, neck warmers, and TVs in our treatment rooms add to your comfort, and you’ll appreciate a warm lemon-scented towel to freshen up at the end of your appointment.

Please Call Us to Arrange An Appointment

If you have a toothache and think you might need a root canal, please call our Mountain View dental office at (650) 399-9657 to arrange an appointment. We’ll provide the high-quality dental care you need and the comforting experience you deserve.