Stop Tooth Infection in Its Tracks with Root Canal Surgery

Are you struggling with persistent tooth pain or sensitivity? It could indicate an infection. Ignoring this issue can lead to further complications. Fortunately, root canal therapy can effectively address the problem and preserve your natural tooth. 

At Davie Advanced Dentistry, our skilled dentists in Davie, FL, Dr. Bill and Dr. Eli Abbo, provide comfortable root canal treatments to restore your smile’s health. Call (954) 434-3331 to learn more. 

What is Root Canal Therapy?

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.

A toothache can be a real pain, but it doesn’t have to mean losing your tooth. Root canal therapy is a safe and effective dental procedure to treat infected or damaged teeth. Also known as endodontic treatment, this procedure involves removing damaged or infected tooth pulp tissue from the inside of the tooth, cleaning the root canals, and filling them to prevent further infection.

Signs of a Root Canal Infection

Early diagnosis and treatment of a tooth infection are crucial to prevent complications. Here are some signs that you might need root canal therapy:

• Persistent Toothache: A throbbing or dull ache in a specific tooth, often worsening with pressure or biting down, is a common symptom.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Pain when consuming hot or cold beverages/foods can signal an inflamed or infected pulp.
• Swelling: Inflammation or swelling around the affected tooth or gums can be a telltale sign of infection.
• Discoloration: The infected tooth may appear darker or discolored than neighboring teeth.
• Bad Taste or Foul Odor: A persistent unpleasant taste or bad breath emanating from the affected tooth can indicate an infection.
• Pain When Chewing: Discomfort or pain while chewing on the affected tooth can indicate an underlying issue.

If you experience these or similar symptoms, it may indicate an infected tooth. Call our Davie, FL, office at (954) 434-3331 to schedule an appointment. 

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

While a root canal might sound daunting, it offers numerous benefits for your oral and overall health:

• Preserve Your Natural Tooth: Root canal therapy prioritizes saving your natural tooth structure. Compared to an extraction, a natural tooth provides superior biting function, and aesthetics, and contributes to maintaining the jawbone’s health.
• Pain Relief: The primary benefit is eliminating the pain and discomfort caused by the infected pulp. Root canal therapy effectively addresses the source of the pain, allowing you to eat and chew comfortably again.
• Prevents Further Infection: Left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to surrounding tissues and bones, leading to complications. Root canal therapy removes the infection, preventing its progression and protecting oral health.
• Improves Oral Health: By saving the tooth and eliminating the infection, root canal therapy contributes to a healthier mouth. This reduces the risk of further dental problems and promotes overall well-being.
• Long-lasting Solution: With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can function normally for many years, potentially lasting a lifetime.

The Root Canal Treatment Process

Anesthesia and Comfort

Your comfort is our top priority. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring a pain-free procedure. Additionally, we offer various dental sedation options to help you relax and feel at ease throughout the dental treatment.

Accessing the Pulp

Once the area is numb, a small opening will be carefully created in the tooth crown to access the inflamed or infected pulp chamber within the loose tooth.

Removing Infection

Specialized instruments are then employed to meticulously remove the infected pulp and soft tissue, and thoroughly clean the root canals. This eliminates the source of the infection and prevents its spread.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Following the removal of infected material, Dr. Abbo will meticulously clean and disinfect the root canals to eradicate any remaining bacteria. This crucial step ensures a successful outcome and minimizes the risk of future complications.

Filling and Sealing

Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, they will be filled with a biocompatible material to prevent future infection and ensure the structural integrity of the adjacent teeth and the tooth. The access opening in the tooth crown is then sealed with a temporary filling to protect the treated area until the permanent restoration is placed.

Placement of Permanent Restoration

After a designated healing period to allow the surrounding bone and tissues to recover, you’ll return for the final step. Dr. Abbo will place a permanent dental crown or filling on the treated tooth to restore its full strength, functionality, and aesthetics. This ensures the tooth can continue to function normally within your smile.

Aftercare for Root Canal Surgery

Following root canal therapy, proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing and preventing complications. Here are some aftercare tips from your Davie, FL, dentist:

• Minimize Chewing on Treated Tooth: While the temporary filling is in place, avoid using the treated tooth for chewing hard or sticky foods. This helps prevent damage to the temporary restoration.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once a day to remove plaque and prevent further infection.
• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any post-procedural discomfort as directed by your dentist.
• Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking or using tobacco products can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications.
• Follow-up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure the permanent restoration fits properly.
• Soft Diet: In the initial days following treatment, opt for a soft diet consisting of soups, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to minimize pressure on the treated tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions