Dental pain and infection can be daunting, but the team at Smiles Dental Spa, led by your trusted Tracy dentist, Dr. Shirley Zhao, offers advanced endodontic care to relieve discomfort and preserve your natural teeth. Our treatments, including root canal therapy and pulp therapy, aim to save damaged or infected teeth, restoring function and preventing tooth loss with precision and compassion. In some cases, Dr. Zhao places a temporary filling to protect the tooth while the infection heals.
Your Trusted Tracy Dentist
Since 2013
Our goal through endodontic treatments is to clean out the damaged tissue, eliminate infection, and save your tooth structure whenever possible, supporting long-term oral health and a positive patient experience.
Endodontics focuses on treating the dental pulp—the soft connective tissue inside your teeth containing nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, trauma, a crack or chip, or repeated dental procedures inflame or infect the pulp, patients often feel pain and sensitivity. If a dentist or endodontist doesn’t treat the infection promptly, it can spread, and the tooth might require extraction only as a last resort.
A root canal is the most common endodontic procedure to address pulp injury or infection. Despite its reputation, root canal therapy is routine and performed with modern technology to minimize discomfort. During treatment, Dr. Zhao carefully cleans and disinfects the roots of the tooth, then fills them with a material called gutta-percha during the root canal procedure to prevent reinfection.
We take dental X-rays or CBCT scans to assess pulp damage and the shape of the root canals.
Dr. Zhao numbs the affected tooth and surrounding area to provide a completely pain-free experience for the patient.
Dr. Zhao places a small rubber dam around the tooth to keep it clean and dry throughout the procedure.
Dr. Zhao creates a small opening in the tooth’s crown to reach the pulp chamber and roots of the tooth.
Dr. Zhao removes the infected or damaged pulp using specialized instruments and carefully shapes the canals for filling.
Dr. Zhao irrigates the canals and applies antimicrobial agents to completely eliminate the infection.
Dr. Zhao seals the cleaned canals with a filling material to prevent reinfection, using a temporary filling in multi-visit cases.
Afterward, a crown or permanent filling is placed to protect the tooth and fully restore its function.
For children or teeth with less extensive damage, pulp therapy offers a conservative treatment to maintain pulp vitality and avoid full root canal treatment. Types include:
Pulp therapy supports continued development of immature teeth and preserves adult teeth when done promptly.
Consider seeing Dr. Zhao, your Tracy dentist, if you experience:
Early diagnosis allows for simpler, more effective treatment and avoids the need for repeated dental procedures or the tooth being extracted only when absolutely necessary.
Many dental conditions develop quietly, without pain or obvious warning signs. Regular exams and modern diagnostic tools help detect subtle changes, including plaque and tartar buildup, so we can act early with effective dental cleaning and care.
At Smiles Dental Spa, your trusted Tracy dentist, prevention is at the heart of everything we do. We provide thorough evaluations, clear communication, and individualized care so you understand your oral health and feel confident in your treatment plan.
Skilled, gentle care focused on patient experience and comfort
Advanced digital imaging and dental dam isolation
Modern, minimally invasive types of oral surgery and root canal technology
Personalized treatment plans for adults and children
Convenient location in Tracy, CA, with easy appointment booking via NexHealth
We thrive on patient feedback! See what your neighbors in Tracy have to say about their experience, and if you have a moment, please leave us a review—we appreciate you taking the time!
Prevent dental pain or a worsening infected tooth by seeking prompt care. Save your natural tooth and relieve discomfort with expert endodontic care from Dr. Shirley Zhao, your Tracy general dentist, at Smiles Dental Spa.
Call (209) 585-1475 or book your consultation online via NexHealth today. Visit us at 1431 N Tracy Blvd, Tracy, CA 95376—where compassionate care meets cutting-edge dental solutions and the highest standard of oral health.
1431 N Tracy Blvd
Tracy, CA 95376
