Root Canal Treatment
Saving Your Tooth with Root Canal Treatment: Understanding the Procedure and Benefits
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to treat infected or damaged pulp in a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause pain, swelling, and other complications.
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and filling and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so patients should not experience pain during the treatment.
Here are the steps involved in a typical root canal treatment:
- Numbing the area: The dentist will apply local anesthesia to the affected area to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue.
- Accessing the pulp: The dentist will create a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp.
- Removing the pulp: The dentist will use specialized tools to remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth.
- Cleaning and disinfecting the tooth: The dentist will clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth to remove any remaining bacteria and prevent further infection.
- Filling and sealing the tooth: The dentist will fill the inside of the tooth with a rubber-like material and seal it with a filling or crown to prevent further infection and restore the tooth’s function.
After the root canal treatment, patients may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It is important to practice good oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing regularly and visiting the dentist for routine checkups and cleanings, to prevent further infection and maintain oral health.
Overall, root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to treat infected or damaged pulp and save a damaged or decayed tooth from extraction. With proper care, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
Need a root canal but have a lot of questions? Here are the answers to the most common root canal questions.
A root canal or endodontic treatment is a dental procedure that is needed when the soft tissue (the pulp) within the root canal, becomes infected or inflamed. Both the inflammation and infection can cause many issues including increased decay that will travel deeper, multiple dental procedures on the same tooth, or cracking and chipping in the tooth.
Root canal treatment should relieve pain and not cause it. Most of the pain that you experience comes from damaged nerve tissue, and root canal treatments involve removing the damaged tissue, disinfecting the canal and sealing it. Endodontists are experts in pain management, offering treatment quickly and comfortably.
Depending on the case, most root canal treatments occur in just one to two visits due to the advancement of endodontic science and technology.
When a tooth goes missing, it causes the other teeth to move out of place, affecting the way you chew food and smile.
Modern dentists offers advancements in technologies, procedures, and materials, giving you many treatment options to protect your natural teeth. However, a single dental implant can be an excellent tooth replacement option that also helps to preserve the jawbone.
If you cannot have a single implant, Dr. Aller can discuss with you and create your very own treatment plan suggesting alternative options and procedures.
If the infected tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread to the gums, and an abscess can form. An abscess forming is a clear sign that the infection has reached the jawbone and surrounding tissues. Delaying treatment could result in having to treat or even remove the surrounding teeth on either side of the primary infected tooth. Infection in the tooth can spread to other tissues in the face and mouth as well as your brain.
Pain and swelling are good indications that an abscess has developed. Inside the swelling are pus, bacteria, and decaying white blood cells.
Some other symptoms are:
- severe pain
- fever
- swollen neck glands
- pain when chewing
- redness and swelling of the gums
- bitter taste in the mouth
- tenderness in gums
- foul breath
- the sensitivity of the teeth to cold or hot
- general discomfort and uneasiness
- an open, draining sore on the side of the gum
- swollen area of the upper or lower jaw
During a root canal, your dentist will first thoroughly numb the area with a local anesthetic. We can even perform the procedure under mild sedation if you’d rather not be awake for it. Once you’re numb, the dentist uses a tiny, thin file to scrape the pulp out, removing all of the infected material.
At Miracle Smile Dentistry we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable and have had your dental concerns addressed by the most qualified dental professionals in South Florida. Your time is valuable which is why we made it conveniently accessible for you to schedule an appointment at either of our offices – in Coral Gables or Plantation, Florida. We’re here for any questions about financing and insurances, or if you’d like to request any procedure information. Call us at 305-569-9966, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.