Root Canals
Despite our best efforts, a root canal sometimes becomes necessary to save a tooth. Oftentimes, patients are referred to an endodontist to receive treatment. Dr. Rahimi is skilled in root canals and can perform the service right in our office, providing convenience and continuity of care.
What Is a Root Canal Procedure?
Each root contains a canal with a nerve and pulp. A root canal procedure becomes necessary when that pulp is infected or the root is otherwise compromised.
Root canals have a reputation of being uncomfortable. However, most patients report that the procedure itself is not painful. The hours, days, or weeks leading up to the procedure are more of a concern because the infection in your tooth can create pain, swelling, and sensitivity. Generally, the procedure itself actually alleviates the pain caused by the infection.
Dr. Rahimi will begin the procedure by making sure you are completely numb so that you are comfortable. Then, a small access will be made so that the doctor can clean the nerves of the tooth. The infection will be gently removed, and your tooth will be filled with an inert material. Additional medicine may be placed inside to prevent the infection from returning or to assist in healing.
Once your root canal is complete, it may be necessary to place a filling or crown to help stabilize the tooth. Once a tooth has a root canal, it can become brittle, compromising its integrity. Dr. Rahimi will discuss post root canal treatment with you.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
The only way to be certain you need a root canal is to have an evaluation by Dr. Rahimi. Our office may take an x-ray to determine if there is an active infection in your tooth. Some symptoms patients experience when they need a root canal are:
- Pain
- Swelling
- A bump on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Facial pain
- Tooth discoloration
If you suspect you need a root canal or you have already been diagnosed, schedule an appointment with our office today and we can help get you back on the path to great dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bacteria can lay dormant inside a tooth for a period of time before causing any pain. In some cases, by the time a patient has acute pain on the tooth, the bacteria can have infected the tooth to the point where the only option is an extraction. Our goal is to prevent any loss of teeth by being proactive and treating the tooth with a root canal before it is too late. An infection around a tooth is most commonly diagnosed by an x-ray and confirmed with additional tests.
Bacteria can lay dormant inside a tooth for a period of time before causing any pain. In some cases, by the time a patient has acute pain on the tooth, the bacteria can have infected the tooth to the point where the only option is an extraction. Our goal is to prevent any loss of teeth by being proactive and treating the tooth with a root canal before it is too late. An infection around a tooth is most commonly diagnosed by an x-ray and confirmed with additional tests.
Implants are beneficial not only because they address aesthetic concerns with tooth loss but also because they help maintain bone structure.
When you lose a tooth, the bone where that tooth once was begins to deteriorate and shrink away. This can have a detrimental effect on the surrounding teeth by causing tipping, turning, or caving, eventually creating problems with function and bite, resulting in further tooth loss.
Implants are anchored in the bone to help prevent bone loss. Additionally, implants mimic your natural tooth and provide a stable chewing surface.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Rahimi
Dr. Rahimi is a Bay Area native. He has been practicing dentistry at his office, Divisadero Dental since 2013.
He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Dr. Rahimi then attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. While at Tufts, he earned the American Academy of Implant Dentistry Award.
Following dental school, Dr. Rahimi furthered his education by completing a general practice residency at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, ...