Oral Surgery

Root Canals

A root canal is a simple and common dental treatment that can go a long way in helping you reestablish your oral health and save your natural teeth. Similar in many ways to a routine cavity treatment, a root canal aims to eliminate harmful bacteria and remove the part of a tooth that’s decayed or damaged. Along with relieving uncomfortable tooth pain and sensitivity, a root canal treatment helps preserve your natural teeth.

Why do I need a root canal?

The center of your teeth is made of delicate living tissues known as pulp. Composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues, pulp can become infected or inflamed if a tooth is damaged due to injury or deep tooth decay. While diseased pulp cannot be reversed or treated with antibiotics, a root canal can remove diseased pulp before it causes undesirable symptoms or health outcomes.

Ignoring diseased tooth pulp can eventually lead to serious complications. Diseased tooth pulp puts you at risk for tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and the spread of infection to other parts of your mouth, jaw, and face. In worst-case scenarios, infection from diseased tooth pulp can trigger a life-threatening condition known as sepsis.

How do I know if I need a root canal treatment?

An evaluation by Dr. Elizondo is the best way to know if you need a root canal, though some signs you may need a root canal treatment include:

  • Tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to cold or heat
  • Discomfort while chewing or biting
  • Tooth cracks, chips, or decay
  • Tender, swollen, or darkening gums
  • Pimple-like bumps on the gums
  • Swelling around your face or neck

What’s the process of getting a root canal?

During your root canal treatment, Dr. Elizondo will ensure you’re comfortable with a local anesthetic before making a small opening in your tooth so he can reach and remove the diseased tooth pulp. After the diseased pulp has been removed, Dr. Elizondo will flush, disinfect, and fill the now-vacant pulp chamber. You’ll then be fitted with a temporary crown, which will protect your tooth until you receive a permanent crown at your next appointment.

Following a root canal treatment, most patients are able to return to work or school the same day and manage any temporary soreness with over-the-counter medication. While you may have to bite carefully until your permanent crown is placed, you will be able to safely chew and eat after the local anesthetic has worn off (usually within two to four hours).

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays give Dr. Elizondo an inside look into your facial structure and oral cavity so your treatment plan is crafted with the greatest accuracy.

LEARN MORE

Extractions

 

Preserving your natural teeth is the ultimate goal of general dentistry, unless your natural teeth are no longer supporting your best smile. There are some cases when removing a tooth is the best option for alleviating symptoms and supporting your oral and overall health needs.

Tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure that is used to remove a troublesome tooth and reestablish your oral health and total well-being. During a tooth extraction, Dr. Elizondo will provide you with a local anesthetic and, if needed, sedation anesthesia through an IV. Once you’re relaxed and comfortable, Dr. Elizondo will skillfully loosen and remove the targeted tooth, providing you with a few dissolvable stitches if needed.

Most patients feel recovered from their tooth extraction procedure within a few days. Dr. Elizondo will provide you with detailed self-care instructions to help you minimize discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and promote complete and speedy healing. Depending on your unique situation and needs, Dr. Elizondo will also offer recommendations for replacing missing teeth, such as dental implants or dentures.

When is tooth extraction necessary?

Reasons you or your child may need a tooth extraction include:

  • Tooth Damage: To alleviate pain, reduce your risk of infection, and prevent further complications, tooth extraction may be the best option to treat a tooth that’s broken, loose, or severely decayed.
  • Past-Due Baby Teeth: Primary (baby) teeth should ideally be left to fall out naturally, though sometimes they hold on longer than needed. If an unyielding baby tooth is blocking a permanent (adult) tooth, a tooth extraction can clear the way for an adult tooth to properly emerge.
  • Orthodontic Prepwork: If you or your child are getting braces to address overcrowding, Dr. Elizondo may recommend tooth extraction to create the space that’s needed to straighten your teeth.
  • Certain Health Conditions or Medications: If you have a health condition or take medication that suppresses your immune system, extracting a diseased tooth can help support your overall well-being and prevent unnecessary health complications.

If you feel anxious about having a tooth extracted, know that your experience is normal and that Dr. Elizondo and his team are here to answer your questions, address your concerns, and support you through the entire process.

Wisdom Tooth Extractions

Also called third molars, wisdom teeth are a set of four teeth that are situated in the back corners of your mouth—two on top and two on bottom. While all other adult teeth have typically come in by age 12, wisdom teeth only erupt between 17 and 25 years of age.

Why are wisdom teeth removed?

Though wisdom teeth may have helped our ancestors chew on roots, many patients today will experience better oral health and comfort if they have their wisdom teeth extracted before potential problems emerge. Some reasons wisdom teeth are extracted include:

  • Lack of Space: As they emerge, wisdom teeth can push on your other teeth, altering the alignment of your smile and comfort of your bite.
  • Sinus Issues: Because of their proximity to your sinus cavities, upper wisdom teeth can trigger or worsen sinus pressure or pain.
  • Impacted Wisdom Teeth: If you don’t have enough space in your mouth, your wisdom teeth can become fully or partially impacted (stuck) in your jaw. Impacted wisdom teeth increase your risk for otherwise preventable dental issues, including pain, swelling, infection, cavities, and gum disease.

How are wisdom teeth extracted?

If your wisdom teeth are causing or are likely to cause you dental problems, Dr. Elizondo will recommend a surgical extraction to remove them. Surgical extraction is a short outpatient procedure that’s performed under a local anesthetic and a sedation IV. Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Elizondo will make a small incision into your gums above the targeted tooth or teeth. If needed, Dr. Elizondo will precisely remove a small amount of bone tissue or divide the tooth into pieces for easier removal. Once your wisdom teeth have been successfully removed, Dr. Elizondo will close the incision with stitches and pack your mouth with gauze. A surgical extraction typically takes no more than 30 to 60 minutes.

Before your procedure, Dr. Elizondo will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for your procedure and take care of yourself afterward for optimal healing.

We’re here to help. Contact Us!