Address The Root Cause of Tooth Pain

If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, it could be a sign of a severe tooth infection. Ignoring the issue can lead to further oral health problems, which is why root canal therapy may be necessary. At Davie Advanced Dentistry, our experienced dentists in Davie, FL, Drs. Bill and Eli Abbo, provide gentle root canal treatments to help restore the health of our patient’s smiles.

Understanding Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to treat an infected or damaged tooth. The process involves removing the damaged or infected pulp tissue from the inside of the tooth, cleaning the root canals, and filling them to prevent further infection.

The root canal is the hollow portion of the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. When the pulp tissue inside the root canal becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe toothaches and sensitivity to hot and cold, which may warrant a root canal treatment to avoid extraction.

Signs of a Root Canal Infection

Here are some common signs of a root canal infection:

• Severe Toothache: A persistent toothache is the most common sign of a root canal infection. The pain may be sharp or dull and may increase when you bite down on the affected tooth.
• Sensitivity to Temperature: If you experience pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold, it could be a sign of a root canal infection.
• Swelling: Swelling around the affected tooth or surrounding gums is a common symptom of a root canal infection. The swelling may be tender or warm to the touch.
• Discoloration: The affected tooth may appear discolored or darkened.
• Bad Taste: A bad taste or a foul odor from the affected tooth could indicate a root canal infection.
• Pain When Chewing: If you experience pain when chewing or biting down on the affected tooth, it could be a sign of a root canal infection.

The Root Canal Therapy Process

Assessment and Preparation

Before the procedure begins, your dentist will assess the affected tooth to determine the extent of the infection. You’ll receive a local anesthetic and your preference for dental sedation to ensure the procedure is painless. Once you’re comfortable, your Davie, FL, dentist will create a small hole in the top of your tooth to access the inner pulp.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Using specialized dental tools, your dentist will remove any infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth. The inner chamber will then be cleaned and disinfected to eliminate the remaining bacteria.

Filling and Sealing

Once the chamber is clean, Dr. Abbo will fill it with a special material to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. The hole in the top of your tooth will then be sealed with a temporary filling.

Restoration

After the procedure, you’ll be given time to heal, and your tooth will be monitored to ensure that the infection is completely gone. Once the tooth has healed, Dr. Abbo will place a permanent dental crown over the treated tooth to protect it and restore its function.

Root Canal Therapy Aftercare

After undergoing root canal therapy, it’s crucial to take proper care of the treated tooth to promote healing and prevent complications. Here are some tips for root canal therapy aftercare:

• Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth: Until the final restoration is completed, avoid using the treated tooth for chewing or biting down on hard or sticky foods.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, and rinse your mouth with salt water to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Take Pain Medication As Directed: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate any discomfort or pain.
• Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking or using tobacco products can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
• Schedule Follow-up Visits: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure that the tooth is healing properly.
• Eat a Soft Diet: Eat soft foods, such as soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes, for the first few days after treatment to avoid irritating the treated tooth.
• Be Gentle Brushing and Flossing: Avoid putting too much pressure on the treated tooth when brushing and flossing, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions