Root Canal Treatment in Salinas, CA

Are you suffering from a persistent toothache or sensitivity? You might need a root canal treatment to save your tooth and relieve pain. At NEXT Dentistry in Salinas, CA, our gentle root canal therapy can rescue an infected tooth and prevent the need for extraction. We understand that root canals have a daunting reputation, but rest assured – our experienced dentist, Dr. Veronika Vazquez, uses modern techniques to make the procedure comfortable and effective. In fact, getting a root canal is a lot like having a deep filling, and it can eliminate your pain while preserving your natural smile.

Why Would You Need a Root Canal?

A root canal (also called endodontic therapy) is needed when the soft inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected or irreversibly inflamed. This often happens due to:

• Deep decay (untreated cavities reaching the pulp)
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• A cracked or chipped tooth that exposes the inner tooth
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• A past dental injury or trauma to the tooth
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• Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth

Infection inside a tooth can cause severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, gum swelling, or an abscess (a pimple-like bump on the gums). If you experience these symptoms, a root canal can remove the infection and stop the pain. Without treatment, the infection can spread and you could eventually lose the tooth, requiring extraction and replacement (such as a dental implant).

What Is the Root Canal Procedure?

A root canal treatment is a routine dental procedure aimed at saving a damaged tooth. Here’s how we perform root canal therapy at our Salinas office:

1. Comfortable Anesthesia: We begin by numbing the tooth and surrounding area thoroughly, so you won’t feel any pain. Our gentle approach helps keep you calm and comfortable from the start.
2. Accessing the Pulp: Dr. Vazquez creates a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the infected pulp inside.
3. Removing Infection: Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove the diseased pulp tissue and bacteria from the root canals inside the tooth. The canals are then disinfected to eliminate any remaining germs.
4. Filling the Canals: Once clean, the empty root canals are filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) to seal them and prevent re-infection.
5. Sealing & Protection: We seal the opening with a filling. In most cases, we protect the tooth with a dental crown, since a treated tooth can become brittle. With our same-day crown capability, you can often receive the permanent crown on the same day as your root canal.

Throughout the process, our team prioritizes your comfort. Many patients are surprised at how pain-free and quick a root canal appointment can be – typically about an hour or two, similar to getting a regular filling or crown.

Gentle Care and Advanced Technology

At NEXT Dentistry, you're in good hands. Our team uses advanced techniques and technology to improve your root canal experience:

• Digital X-Rays: Safe, low-radiation X-rays give us clear images to diagnose the infection and guide treatment with precision.
• Modern Instruments: We use advanced rotary tools to thoroughly clean out the canals efficiently, reducing treatment time.
• Focus on Comfort: We explain each step and ensure you stay fully numb and relaxed. Our caring staff and calm environment help put you at ease during the procedure.

By combining skill and compassion, we turn a dreaded procedure into a stress-free experience. Remember, a root canal doesn’t cause pain – it relieves it!