What is a Root Canal Procedure Like; will it hurt?
Why root canals are nothing to fear.

Your tooth hurts, and you’re worried you might need a root canal. You’ve heard all kinds of stories about root canals. It’s time for you to know the truth. Your dentists Dr. John Chu and Dr. Mary Lin in South Pasadena, California want you to know you have nothing to fear from root canals.

The first root canals go way back to the late 1600’s, but they’ve come a long way since then. Root canals, also called endodontic procedures, are now a state-of-the-art modern way to relieve pain and preserve your teeth. Before root canals, the only way to relieve pain was to take the tooth out, but now you don’t have to. Drs. Chu and Lin can save your tooth with a root canal.

There are many reasons you may need a root canal, including deep dental decay, trauma or a dental infection called an abscess. You may feel pain, but not always. Your dentists will take x-rays and do testing to determine for sure if you need a root canal. If you do need a root canal, fear not! Drs. Chu and Lin will make sure you have a comfortable experience before, during and after your root canal treatment.

Root canals typically take more than one visit, because if your tooth is badly inflamed, it may take a little time to “calm down”. At your first visit, your dentists will open your tooth and remove the diseased tissue inside your tooth using tiny files. Your dentists fill the tooth with a temporary material that works to reduce inflammation.

At your next appointment, your dentists will complete your root canal by filling your tooth with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. Your tooth will no longer be painful, but you can still use it.

After your completed root canal, Drs. Chu and Lin will discuss what type of permanent restoration your tooth will need. Typically, dental crowns are the go-to treatment for teeth with root canals because the teeth will be more fragile, and a crown is much more protective than a regular filling.

So, if you think you may need a root canal, don’t be afraid! Call Dr. John Chu and Dr. Mary Lin in South Pasadena, California, your root canal experts in the neighborhood. Don’t wait, call today and feel better!