A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure that treats infections affecting the pulp of a tooth. The tooth’s pulp is the inner tissue that includes nerves and blood vessels. When this tissue becomes infected or damaged, it can lead to severe pain and potential tooth loss. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and restore it to full function.
During a root canal, our skilled team at South Florida Dental Center will begin by examining the affected tooth with X-rays to determine the extent of the infection. We then proceed with cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s interior to remove any bacteria. The cleaned area is filled with a special material to prevent future infections. Finally, a dental crown is placed on the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.
The primary advantage of a root canal is its ability to resolve infections within the tooth pulp. By removing the infected tissue and sealing the tooth, the treatment eliminates the source of pain and prevents the infection from spreading to other teeth or the jawbone.
Root canals are designed to save teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted. Preserving your natural tooth helps maintain the alignment of your other teeth and supports overall dental health. Keeping your natural teeth is preferable to having a tooth removed and replaced with a prosthetic.
Many patients find immediate relief from the severe pain that often accompanies a tooth infection. Once the infected pulp is removed, the discomfort caused by the infection usually subsides, leading to a more comfortable and functional tooth.
After the procedure, your tooth can be restored to full function with a dental crown. This allows you to chew, bite, and speak normally, much like before the infection occurred.
Root canals become necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen for several reasons:
Symptoms that suggest you might need a root canal include persistent toothache, increased sensitivity to temperature changes, or pain while chewing. You may also notice swelling in the gums, tenderness, or a noticeable change in the tooth’s color. In some cases, an abscess (a pocket of pus) may form at the root of the tooth, causing additional discomfort.
To ensure your comfort throughout the procedure, we administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. If you experience anxiety about dental treatments, we can discuss additional sedation options to help you feel more relaxed.
We start by drilling a small opening in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals. This allows us to access and remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue.
Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove the diseased pulp from the inside of the tooth. This step is essential for eliminating the infection and preparing the tooth for subsequent restoration.
After removing the pulp, we thoroughly clean and disinfect the interior of the tooth to ensure that all bacteria and debris are eliminated. This step is crucial to prevent any further infection.
The now-empty pulp chambers and root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material helps seal the space and prevent future infections.
We place a temporary filling in the access opening to protect the tooth until a permanent restoration is applied. This temporary filling keeps bacteria out and helps maintain the tooth’s structure.
After your root canal treatment, here’s what you need to know about recovery and care:
While rare, complications can occur. Contact your dentist if you notice:
Overall, a root canal can effectively save your tooth and alleviate pain, leading to a healthier mouth. Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth recovery and long-term success of the treatment.
