Root Canal Treatment (Initial RCT)

A root canal is a procedure performed by an endodontic specialist in order to prevent extraction when a tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged. The endodontist will remove the tooth's pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and then seal it with a crown or filling. This procedure stops the infection from spreading to the bone around the tooth and causing an abscess. An abscessed tooth can cause swelling of the jaw or face, pain when chewing, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and fever.

You may need a root canal if you are experiencing pain, swelling, or tenderness in your tooth. Other signs you may need a root canal include sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, discoloration of the tooth, or a bad taste in your mouth. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seeing our specialist at Jen Kuei Wang DDS as soon as possible is essential.

The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Relieves Pain

When the nerve of a tooth becomes infected, it can cause severe pain and interfere with your daily activities. The pain may be constant, or it may come and go. Either way, it can be highly uncomfortable. A root canal will remove the source of the pain and allow you to enjoy everyday activities again. 

Prevents Infection

An untreated tooth infection can spread to other areas of the mouth and the body. This can lead to serious health problems. A root canal removes the infection and prevents it from spreading. 

Improves Oral Health

Treating the infected tooth helps improve your oral health and prevent future problems. It also helps you avoid tooth extraction and the subsequent need for a replacement.

The Root Canal Treatment Procedure 

Before your procedure begins, our endodontic specialist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then, they will make a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the infected tissue.

Our endodontic specialist will remove the infected tissue and clean the inside of the tooth to remove any bacteria. Once the tooth has been cleaned, it will be filled with gutta-percha. Finally, the opening will be sealed with a temporary filling until a permanent crown can be placed. 

After root canal therapy, you may experience some discomfort for a few days. Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage any pain or discomfort. Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until the permanent crown is placed.

If you are experiencing pain or other problems with a tooth, let's get it treated with a root canal, contact Jen Kuei Wang DDS at (408) 245-8822 or visit us at 1286 Kifer Rd., STE 111, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.