High-tech, comfortable and efficient Root Canals
Root Canal Therapy in El Cajon, CA
Dr. Mark Karpman is our in-house endodontist. While Dr. Christensen and Dr. Nathan Christensen are trained to handle simple root canals, Dr. Karpman is an expert in dealing with more complex cases.
Root canals save teeth. When the pulp of the tooth is infected sometimes the pulp has to be removed and replaced with a filling. We can perform most root canals in one visit, along with the supporting crown, by using a rotary instrument to remove the pulp and a laser to fully disinfect the canal of bacteria.
We start by getting a full history of your symptoms. We’ll perform a comprehensive examination that includes low-dose digital X-rays to discover the exact condition of the root and to provide a thorough and complete diagnosis. This will determine the extent that the root is infected and if root canal therapy is really needed.
Our dentists have the latest training and extensive experience in performing root canals. They are gentle, thorough and can usually perform root canal therapy in just one visit. We’ll make sure that your root canal is completed right the first time, so there won’t be a second time.
Laser Root Canal Treatment
With the Waterlase laser our doctors can perform root canal procedures less painfully, quicker and better than with ordinary treatment methods. Laser therapy stimulates cells to regenerate faster so healing is rapid and there is considerable reduced bruising and swelling when compared to conventional root canal therapy.
Waterlase is the first FDA cleared laser treatment for improved root canal disinfection. Articles in the Journal of the American Dental Association and other prestigious dental journals are proof that Waterlase root canal treatment is better than conventional methods.
A key element of the Waterlase minimally-invasive therapy is that the disinfection procedure can be done quickly, in two to three minutes. Conventional chemical treatments using bleach that have been performed since the 1920s take up to 20 to 30 minutes.
Symptoms and signs a Root Canal might be needed
- Swelling in your gum that may, upon applying pressure, release pus or blood
- Pain when biting or chewing food
- Pain that begins in the tooth and can spread to the jaw, ear, head etc.
- Very painful toothache that keeps you up at night
- Moderate to severe lingering toothache that may throb, and be sensitive to cold or heat
You may experience no pain at all yet still need a root canal. The best way to spot a problem tooth early on that may need a root canal is through regular checkups and X-rays.
