Most cases of cavities or infections that cause the nerve tissues in the tooth to be exposed can be treated with root canal therapy, as the only alternative to tooth extraction. Michael Shirvani, DDS may recommend root canal therapy to save a tooth whose pulp (nerves and blood vessels) has become infected. The treatment uses minimally invasive techniques to preserve as much of the healthy tooth structure as possible to ensure stability.

What to expect with a Root Canal Specailist in Burbank, CA

When you arrive for your root canal treatment in Burbank, CA, Dr. Shirvani will first numb the tooth to prevent you from feeling pain during the procedure.

Next, he will drill a hole into your tooth to access the infected pulp or damaged nerve tissue and completely remove it using state-of-the-art dental equipment. After the pulp and nerve tissue has been removed, any debris left in the canals will be flushed-out using a special solution. Dr. Shirvani will also insert topical antibiotics in the canal to get rid of any remaining infection, and then seal the canal with a rubber compound (gutta-percha).

Though the cavity has been filled, the tooth structure has been weakened. So a crown is placed over the restoration to both strengthen and protect the tooth. The crowns are fabricated from tooth-colored material to ensure your smile looks natural.

Am I a candidate for root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy is a common treatment that has been proven to be effective for saving severely damaged natural teeth, provided the root section is healthy. Preserving your original teeth offers both cosmetic and functional benefits. It helps to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted, leaving a gap that may allow other teeth to shift out of position and affect your bite and smile.

It also helps to eliminate the additional cost of subsequent dental work to replace a missing tooth, like bridgework, dentures, or implants. These options (except implants) don’t provide stimulation of the jawbone, which may lead to loss of bone tissue and cause you to look older.

If you have any concerns about your case or would like to learn more about endodontic treatment, please schedule an initial exam and consultation with Dr. Shirvani in Burbank, CA.