Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection.  In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.

Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed.  Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.

Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.

Signs and symptoms for possible root canal therapy:

  • An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold.
  • Severe toothache pain.
  • Sometimes no symptoms are present.
  • Swelling and/or tenderness.

Reasons for root canal therapy:

  • Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
  • Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
  • Injury or trauma to the tooth.

What does root canal therapy involve?

A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal specialist).

While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva.  An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria.  If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.

Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.

At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials.  A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth.  In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed.  This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.

After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.

You will be given care instructions after each appointment.  Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.

Testimonials.

Read what people are saying about us.

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Testimonials

It had been almost 10 years since I my last visit to the dentist. I am one of those with "dental phobia", but thanks to Dr. Pardo and her employees I have overcome my fear!

The office is always clean, bright, and welcoming. Nelcy, is usually who you first encounter and she always makes you feel welcomed. Dr. Pardo and her employees have always made me feel comfortable while in the dental chair. They also offer you Bluetooth headphones when getting a procedure done!

I highly recommend Dr. Pardo's office when looking for a new dentist in the Glendora area.

Brynne V.

My wife and I have been having this debate on dentists for a number of years. When she moved to my town, she started seeing my dentist. And she would always tell me 'your dentist sucks, I've had better!' I would argue that I've been going to my dentist for years - through college and now as an adult and I thought my dentist was just fine. But I really had no other dentist, so I didn't know any better. Reluctantly, my wife decided to just stay with my dentist, because they were nearby and we only saw them twice a year for cleanings anyway. But then we moved and had kids and my wife said since we are now using her insurance, she gets to pick the dentist. I begrudgingly agreed. Let me just say, she was right (pause for wife's 'I-told-you-so-look'). I am so glad we changed!

Looking back, my old dentist wasn't as personable and as gentle as Dr. Pardo and her hygienists. For a long time, I just thought all the discomfort I went through was just a part of regular dentistry. I was so wrong. I was never asked so many times how I was doing or if I was feeling any discomfort. My old dentist and her hygienist often leaned on my shoulder or face during cleanings. And when they flossed me, they would cause my gums to bleed. I never really gave it much thought until it stopped happening. Dr. Pardo and her hygienist were very conscious about patient comfort and care. And after years with my old dentist, it was very refreshing. Dr. Pardo is also very knowledgeable in her practice- often giving tips, suggestions and great advice when it came to our oral care. She is also great with our kids. She is very patient and understanding and puts them at ease at every appointment, but will still go after them when it comes to brushing and flossing. I highly recommend Pardo Dentistry if you're looking for a dentist. You will not be disappointed!

Alvin D.

This was my first visit with my new dentist. I was very impressed with the office and staff.

The office is well kept and clean. I felt very relaxed in there. The dental equipment looked to be modern and well cared for. The music over the overhead speakers was relaxing and contemporary.

The office staff and dental assistants are personable and professional. They were friendly and easy to talk with.

Doctor Pardo is youthful and energetic. She seems to enjoy her profession. She listens well and provides easy to understand descriptions of her observations and thoughts. She's also open and eager to answering questions.

Even more important, she seems to have a steady hand and cool demeanor. Can't wait to experience her skills with a hypodermic needle. WAIT!! I can wait.

Chris C.

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Contact Us. We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.