Root Canal

Many times, germs get inside the pulp of our teeth and infect them badly. To save a tooth, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. During this process, the dentist removes the infected pulp and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection.

The root canal cleans and disinfects the infected root canal, saves the tooth from harm or reinfection, and preserves the original tooth. So, a root canal removes the inflammatory or infected pulp and seals the internal part of the tooth. This guide will help you know more about this quick and beneficial process that relieves your pain and saves your natural tooth.

All You Need to Know About a Root Canal

Don’t be scared or nervous if your Orange City dentist recommends a root canal procedure to treat a decayed or damaged tooth. This dental procedure restores the health of millions of teeth each year. A soft tissue called pulp is inside your tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer or dentin. Connective tissue, nerves, and blood veins are all present in this tissue, which aid in the growth of the tooth's root. However, since the surrounding tissues feed the tooth, it can survive without the pulp.

Horrific stories about complicated and lengthy root canal procedures are now obsolete. Today, the process is more like a routine filling and takes no more than one or two sessions. The number of sessions depends on the patient’s circumstances and the tooth’s condition. A root canal is incredibly effective and not too painful. In no time, you'll be grinning, biting, and eating with ease.

The Advantages of a Root Canal

There are a variety of medical conditions that call for root canal therapy. Endodontic treatment reduces the need for further dental maintenance and allows you to maintain your natural smile. You can also continue to munch on the foods you love. In addition, a root canal treatment can help a tooth survive a lifetime with proper maintenance.

Going for a root canal treatment has many benefits. For example:

  • Normal sensation and biting force
  • Efficient chewing
  • Natural appearance
  • Shields other teeth from excessive strain

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?

Your dentist will take dental X-rays of the afflicted tooth before starting your root canal process. That makes it possible to assess the level of damage and determine whether a root canal is the best course of action.

Here are the steps that a root canal procedure involves:

Administering Anesthesia

First, the dentist will apply topical anesthesia to the damaged tooth and the surrounding gums to relieve pain. Intravenous and oral sedatives are also used in dentistry. In addition, your doctor may recommend sedation to alleviate anxiety.

Placing the Dental Dam

The dentist will place a small rubber dam over the area before beginning the root canal treatment. That will isolate the tooth to keep it dry during the process.

Creating an Access to the Hole

Then a small opening is made in the tooth’s cross for accessing the pulp.

Removing the Pulp

The dentist will remove the blood vessels, tissues, and nerves inside the tooth using tiny instruments.

Cleansing and Shaping the Root Canal

That involves cleaning, disinfecting, and shaping the root canal after removing the pulp.

Filling the Canal

A rubbery dental material or gutta-percha goes into the empty canals as a filling.

Sealing the Tooth

The dentist then places a temporary dental filling to seal the tooth. That will prevent bacteria from re-entering.

Placing the Final Restoration

Generally, you need a dental crown to protect the treated tooth and restore your bite. Creating customized crowns typically take two to three weeks. Once your crown is ready, the dental clinic will notify you to remove the temporary filling and place the permanent crown.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Many patients worry that their teeth may hurt during and after root canal therapy. However, most patients get instant relief after treatment because the process removes the infection's source. You won’t feel any pain during the process because of the anesthesia. That’s why the process is not any more painful than a regular dental process, such as wisdom tooth removal or filling. But you may feel a bit numb or sore after the procedure. Some patients report mild discomfort for a couple of days. If you feel throbbing pain after the process, get in touch with your healthcare physician.

After Having a Root Canal, Can I Still Attend Class or Work?

Yes. There is no need to rest or recover after getting a root canal. Most patients go back to school or work right after the process. However, avoiding work or studies for a couple of hours is better because you will experience numbness for at least two to four hours. Avoid eating anything until the numbness subsides, or you may bite your tongue.

What is the Cost of a Root Canal?

The price varies according to the complexity of the issue. The cost is higher than other processes since molars are harder to treat. Many dental insurance policies offer some coverage for endodontic treatment.

Signs that Indicate that You Need a Root Canal Treatment

Here are the signs and symptoms you may experience if you need a root canal.

  • A cracked or chipped tooth
  • Loose tooth
  • Pain if pressure is applied
  • Sensitivity to cold and heat
  • Swollen jaw and gums
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Tooth pain that gets worse at night

You may also need to get the procedure in case of:

  • Bacterial infection
  • Fractures and chips
  • Injuries
  • Tooth Removals

Who to Go to for your Root Canal Procedure

A general dentist or an endodontist who is a root canal specialist can perform this treatment. If you are looking for an Edgewater dentist for professional root canal therapy, welcome to Universal Smiles Dentistry. We are one of the most established and experienced dental offices in Central Florida. Our experienced and qualified oral health ensure you receive the best root canal treatment in Central Florida. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our three locations today!