A root canal is a treatment for tooth infections deep inside your mouth. If left untreated, infection can spread to your bone and gums, cause pulp damage and eventually lead to the loss of the tooth.
If you have tooth pain that doesn’t go away or pain that radiates to your jaw or face, this is a good sign that you may need a root canal. In addition, if you’re experiencing sensitivity to heat or cold or puffy, swollen gums, these are also signs that your tooth needs to be treated.
Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively quick procedure. However, if the tooth is badly damaged or has extensive decay or cracks in it, a longer procedure may be needed.
When you visit our office for a root canal, we will examine the tooth and administer local anesthesia to numb the area. Next, we will place a rubber dam to keep the affected area isolated and dry.
Once you are completely numb, the dentist will drill an access hole into your tooth to allow him or her to work on the infected pulp. In this process, the dentist will remove all of the bacteria and infected tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals to clean them out and prepare them for filling.
Then, we’ll carefully shape the space for a filling that will replace the pulp within the tooth. The filling will be made of a biocompatible material and sealed with adhesive cement.
Your Sarasota Root Canal Specialist will then place a crown on your tooth to protect it from further injury and restore its normal function. Once the tooth is fully functional again, you’ll be able to chew and smile with confidence again.
You may experience some mild discomfort for a few days after your root canal. This is a normal reaction to the procedure and is typically relieved by over-the-counter medications or by seeing your doctor.
Why is my tooth infected?
Tooth infection is a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors, including deep decay or cracked teeth. Bacteria can penetrate the root of a tooth to reach the pulp, causing an infection that can spread to your mouth and cause severe pain.
Symptoms of an infected tooth include tooth pain that doesn’t go away, sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, swelling in your gums and jaw, and other symptoms. Your dentist will be able to diagnose whether you have an infected tooth and recommend the best treatment for you.
A root canal is the most common dental procedure performed in the United States today and can be done in one or two visits depending on the severity of the infection. It is no longer necessary to take out your tooth if it has been infected, thanks to modern techniques and materials used for root canals.
Many people have misconceptions about root canals and what the procedure entails, but the truth is that the procedure itself is very comfortable. A skilled dentist can numb the tooth using local anesthesia and eliminate any pain you may be feeling during the procedure.