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Relieve Pain and Save Your Natural Tooth
Few dental treatments carry a worse reputation than the root canal, yet few are as misunderstood. In reality, root canal therapy is the treatment that relieves severe tooth pain rather than causing it, and it does something remarkable: it saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. With modern techniques and anesthesia, the procedure is comfortable and highly effective.
At Broadway Dental of Millbrae, Dr. Donald Yang performs root canal therapy with a gentle, reassuring approach. When infection or damage reaches the inside of a tooth, this treatment clears it away, eases your pain, and preserves your natural smile.
Ask About Root Canal Therapy
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside every tooth is a soft center called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, often from deep decay, a crack, or trauma, it can cause significant pain and, if left untreated, lead to an abscess and tooth loss.
Root canal therapy treats the problem at its source. Dr. Yang removes the infected or damaged pulp, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, then seals it to prevent reinfection. In most cases, the tooth is then restored with a crown to protect it and return it to full function. The result is a tooth that stays in your smile rather than being extracted.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
A tooth in trouble usually gives you warning signs. You may need root canal therapy if you experience:
- Severe or persistent toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed
- Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums
- A darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth
- A deep cavity or a cracked or damaged tooth
If you notice any of these, do not wait. Prompt treatment relieves pain and gives the tooth the best chance of being saved. If you are in significant pain, call us right away.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal
Understanding the process helps put any nerves at ease. Modern root canal therapy is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Most patients feel immediate relief once the infection is treated, with only mild tenderness for a few days afterward.
1
Comfort first
Dr. Yang numbs the area thoroughly so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
2
Accessing the tooth
A small opening is made to reach the infected pulp inside the tooth.
3
Cleaning and disinfecting
The damaged pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected.
4
Sealing the tooth
The cleaned canals are filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
5
Restoring the tooth
In most cases, a crown is placed to protect the tooth and restore its strength and appearance.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Choosing a root canal over extraction offers important advantages:
- Relief from pain, addressing the infection causing your discomfort
- Preservation of your natural tooth, which is almost always better than replacement
- Restored function, so you can bite and chew normally again
- Protection for neighboring teeth, preventing the shifting that follows tooth loss
- A natural appearance, since your own tooth stays in place
- A lasting solution, as a treated and restored tooth can function for many years
End Your Tooth Pain and Preserve Your Smile
There is no reason to live with the pain of an infected tooth, and no reason to lose a tooth that can be saved. Root canal therapy is a comfortable, effective way to relieve your pain and keep your natural smile intact. If you are experiencing tooth pain, we are here to help.
We proudly welcome patients from Millbrae, San Bruno, Tanforan, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Burlingame, and Daly City.
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