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.
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.
Here are some common signs of a root canal infection:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Root canal therapy may cause some discomfort during the procedure, but modern techniques and anesthesia have made the process much more comfortable than in the past. After the procedure, you may experience sensitivity or discomfort, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The length of the root canal therapy procedure can vary depending on the case’s complexity. It can be completed in one or two appointments, each appointment lasting between 30 minutes to two hours.
In general, it is better to save a natural tooth whenever possible. Root canal therapy can be highly successful in saving a damaged or infected tooth, and it’s often a more cost-effective and less invasive option than extraction followed by a tooth replacement such as an implant or bridge. Consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action.
In many cases, dental insurance will cover at least part of the cost of root canal therapy. Coverage can vary depending on your insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider to determine your level of coverage and any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.