Who is the Number One Root Canal Dentist in Brentwood or Westwood?
Dr. Kamyar Hekmat DDS and his staff have years of experience in endodontics and understand that having a root canal performed is not the most desirable manner in which to spend one’s time--but if one must have this procedure--it is preferable to do so under the care of one of the most experienced dental practitioners in the country. Dr. Hekmat was awarded the coveted Paul K. Hill Memorial Award in 1986 for his excellence in root canal treatment by the USC School of Dentistry--a fact which speaks for itself in regard to his ability to perform this procedure according to the highest standard in the field of dentistry.
The hyper-stigmatized root canal procedure is a common routine procedure that we perform daily at our offices in Brentwood and Westwood to countless satisfied patients. We find that with our patients, the painful aspect of the root canal procedure is not the procedure itself at all, but rather the pain associated with the deteriorating condition of the tooth leading up to the procedure--and the anxiety and nervousness brought about by the over-stigmatization of the root canal process. Dr. Hekmat and his staff take every precaution and make every arrangement to make sure that our patients are completely at ease before, during, and following their root canal.
What is a Root Canal and do I need one?
Root canal therapy is a treatment that is necessary to repair and salvage teeth that have become badly infected or decayed.
Root canals are performed when pulp material, which is made up of blood vessels and nerves within the tooth develop an infection or damage. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed. The resulting space is filled with special medicated dental materials which restore the tooth to its full function.
Patients often fear root canals because they believe the procedure is very painful. However, most patients report that the root canal itself is comparable in discomfort to having a filling performed. Many patients believe that removing a damaged tooth is the solution, but what many patients do not realize is that the extraction of a tooth will cause significant problems for adjacent teeth and will ultimately be more costly.
Indications that you may need a root canal include:
Severe tooth pain while chewing or applying pressure
Sensitivity and pain triggered by hot or cold temperatures which persist after the hot or cold substance has been removed
Discoloration of the tooth, usually a darkening
Swelling of the nearby gums and tenderness
An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
Reasons for root canal therapy:
Decay has reached teeth 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?
The Procedure
1. Your oral surgeon will apply a local anesthetic
2. A dental dam will be put in place
3. A small access hole will be made through the affected tooth
4. Damaged pulp tissue is removed
5. The canal will be reshaped
6. A filling will be used that is most appropriate for your needs
7. Either a temporary or permanent filling will be installed
After your root canal, you may be prescribed an antibiotic to kill any infection that may remain and to ensure infection does not spread. If you have been fitted with a temporary fitting, you will need to receive a permanent one at a later time.
After your root canal therapy is complete, you should experience relief from the pain you felt before treatment. Once your permanent filling is in place and, if needed, a crown is put in place, you will be advised to avoid or minimize chewing with the treated tooth. Doing so will help to prevent re-contaminating the interior of the tooth and also prevent a fragile tooth from being damaged before it can be fully restored by your dentist.
Root canals are an important way your dentist can preserve and protect the health of your dentition. The procedure stops severe tooth decay in its tracks and can help you to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for many years to come.
Serving the Greater Los Angeles Area
Dr. Hekmat’s offices serve Westwood, and Brentwood as well as West LA, East LA, Beverly Hills, Encino, Silverlake, Cheviot Hills, Culver City, and Hollywood.
To learn more about the benefits of a root canal, call or click today. Our knowledgeable and courteous staff are standing by to take your call and answer all of your important questions.
www.winnersmiledentist.com
Westwood office
10921 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1204
Los Angeles, Ca 90024
(310) 208-0878
Downtown Office
1127 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 914
Los Angeles Ca 90017
(213) 482-5586
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