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Root Canal Specialist

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Root Canal services offered in Willow Glen, San Jose, CA

A toothache could indicate severe dental decay or damage that requires immediate treatment. At Aqua Dentistry in San Jose, California, general, cosmetic, and family dentist Aishwarya Kumar, DDS, offers root canals to restore an affected tooth and reduce the risk of tooth loss or a need for extraction. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or book one online today.

Root Canal Q & A

What are root canals?

Root canals are restorative dental procedures in which Dr. Kumar repairs the inside of a decaying or damaged tooth to reduce the risk of further decay, loose permanent teeth, and tooth loss. See Dr. Kumar at the first sign of a problem to reduce your risk of complications. 

What are the benefits of root canals?

The main benefits of undergoing root canals if you have a damaged or decaying tooth include:

  • Less pain
  • Reduced aching
  • Elimination of decay
  • Healthier, restored teeth
  • Stronger teeth
  • Low risk of tooth loss
  • Reduced need for tooth extraction

Dr. Kumar ensures that your root canal is a painless process, so you don’t have to worry about dental anxiety.

Is a root canal right for me?

You may need a root canal if you have a tooth that’s decaying, infected, or damaged. Signs you might be a candidate for a root canal include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Aching
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Hole in your tooth
  • Hot or cold sensitivity
  • Pus near your gum line
  • Gum or facial swelling

Dr. Kumar lets you know if you’re a candidate for a root canal after reviewing the results of your dental X-rays, discussing your symptoms, and examining your teeth and gums.

What happens during a root canal?

The first step of getting a root canal is numbing the treatment area so that you don’t feel any pain. Dr. Kumar makes a hole in the top part of your tooth and removes decay and bacteria from the inside of the tooth, or its pulp.

She then fills the hollowed-out area with special dental materials and seals the top of the tooth shut. Dr. Kumar often places a dental crown over the top of your newly restored tooth (this may require a second appointment) to protect it from future damage.

What should I expect after the procedure?

There’s no downtime after receiving a root canal, so you can resume normal daily activities right away. However, the treated tooth may feel a little sore for a day or two. You can take over-the-counter medicines to reduce discomfort if Dr. Kumar recommends it.

Take care of a newly restored tooth by brushing your teeth daily, flossing every day, and not chewing on hard objects. See Dr. Kumar and her staff every six months for dental cleanings and exams.

If you notice signs of tooth decay, pain, or damage, call the Aqua Dentistry office, or schedule an appointment online today to find out if you need a root canal.