Root canal therapy also referred to as endodontic therapy, is required when a cavity is not treated and the decay reaches all the way to the tooth’s pulp. 

 

Through regular dental checkups and cleanings at our SF dental office, we can detect early decay to reduce the likelihood of developing such deep cavities that root canal therapy is required. However, root canal treatment may be required due to other issues, for example, trauma to a tooth that caused nerve damage. 

 

Once the pulp becomes infected, this can reach the tip of the tooth’s root and begin to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is an abscess). If the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. This is dangerous, not to mention very painful, and can even affect your immune system. 

 

Symptoms of Pulp Infection

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Although many people can experience little to no symptoms, some common signals that the pulp has become infected may include:

 

• Sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets

• Tooth pain 

• Swelling

• Pain when biting or putting pressure on the tooth

• Bad taste in your mouth

 

If there are early signs of pulp infection, Dr. Barkhodari will refer you to an Endodontist nearby in San Francisco (a specialist that performs root canal therapy). Here, they will clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the tooth canals. If you experience any of the symptoms above, be sure to let Dr. Barkhodari know at your visit so she can inspect the issue in more detail.