Discover Expert Endodontics at Lawrence B. Blackmon, DDS

Save Your Teeth and Relieve Tooth Pain

Welcome to Lawrence B. Blackmon, DDS, offering specialized endodontic procedures, including root canals, with your comfort in mind. An endodontist’s goal is often to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. They specialize on treating the pulp, the soft part of the tooth underneath the hard enamel exterior.

When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can enter the pulp. These germs can cause an infection inside the tooth. Infected or damaged pulp can cause severe tooth pain and swelling. If left untreated, the whole tooth may need to be removed. Instead, your tooth can be saved with root canal therapy and other procedures.

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Best Root Canal Dentist in Moreno Valley

Experienced Team

Our board-certified endodontist brings years of experience and a commitment to excellence in every procedure.

Patient Comfort, Sedation, and Safety

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. We offer various sedation options to make your experience as stress-free as possible.

Comprehensive Services

From initial consultation to post-operative care, we provide a wide range of endodontic services all under one roof.

How does root canal therapy save my tooth?

An opening is made through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.
The pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned, enlarged and shaped.
Medications may be put in the pulp chamber and root canal(s) to help get rid of germs and prevent infection. You might be given other medicine to keep infection from spreading.
A temporary filling will be placed in the crown opening to protect the tooth between dental visits. Your dentist may leave the tooth open for a few days to drain.
The temporary filling is removed, and the pulp chamber and root canal(s) are cleaned and filled.
Finally, a permanent filling or a gold or porcelain crown is placed over the tooth.

Book Your Consultation Today

Contact our office in Moreno Valley today to schedule your endodontic consultation. Our distinguished endodontist provides exceptional care with a compassionate approach. While a root canal may not sound exciting, you can count on our experienced team to provide the same gentle and effective care you’ve come to expect from our office.

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Root Canal Treatment FAQs

Tooth decay can progress down into the pulp. When this happens, the pulp can become infected. The situation can deteriorate into an abscessed tooth when infection and swelling develop around or beneath the tooth. When the pulp becomes infected or the tooth becomes abscessed, it is necessary to perform a root canal.

When the pulp becomes infected due to a deep cavity or fracture, bacteria can seep in. When there has been an injury due to trauma, the pulp can die. Damaged or dead pulp causes increased blood flow, pressure, and cellular activity. Pain in the tooth is commonly felt when biting down or chewing, and eating or drinking hot and/or cold foods and beverages.

The tooth will not heal by itself. Without treatment, the infection will spread further. The bone around the tooth will begin to degenerate, and the tooth may fall out. Pain usually worsens until one is forced to seek emergency dental attention. The only alternative is an extraction (removal) of the tooth. If you have the choice, it’s always best to keep your original teeth.

More than 95 percent of root canal therapies are successful. However, sometimes a case needs to be redone due to diseased canal offshoots that went undetected, or the fracturing of the canal filling. More commonly, a root canal therapy will fail altogether, marked by the return of pain.

The endodontist will refer the patient to return for a permanent restoration of the tooth. A temporary filling was placed immediately following the root canal therapy and will need to be replaced with a permanent filling or crown and build up. A crown will be necessary on all posterior teeth to properly protect the treated tooth from fracturing. Front teeth can typically be restored with a filling; however, a crown may be necessary in some cases. Your endodontist can determine the best choice for you.

Your restored tooth could last a lifetime, if you continue to care for your teeth and gums. However, regular checkups are necessary. As long as the roots of a treated tooth are nourished by the tissues around it, your tooth can remain healthy.

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