Root Canal Therapy
Root Canal in Dunedin, Florida
Root canal therapy is a common procedure that saves millions of teeth a year. For teeth with damaged dental pulp, this treatment can be the difference that restores natural teeth and saves them from tooth extraction. We understand that root canal therapy can cause anxiety. We take our time to answer any questions, offer sedation dentistry options, and make the treatment as quick and painless as possible. Don’t let fear hold you back. Trust in our compassionate team to give you the best care for your overall oral health.
What Is A Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to remove bacteria from the inner pulp of a tooth. It stops the spread of bacteria that can go further into the root and cause serious infection. Beneath the hard enamel and dentin layers of a tooth is the dental pulp. This system or nerves and blood vessels keeps a tooth alive and able to restore itself. With modern technology and techniques, root canals can be relatively painless and highly effective.
A visual examination combined with digital x-ray imaging will let us know if root canal therapy is necessary. We’ll look for signs that decay has reached the dental pulp during your visit. If you’re experiencing recent tooth pain or have damaged or fractured a tooth, we recommend scheduling a visit to have your teeth examined.
Root Canal Procedure
During a root canal, the enamel will be shaped to allow access to the dental pulp. The dentist will carefully remove any inflamed or infected pulp and clean the inner tooth. Once the area has been disinfected, the tooth is permanently filled and sealed with a rubbery material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then filled to seal the area or a dental crown is applied on top.
Root canal treatment is extremely effective for restoring the health of a tooth. With the aid of local anesthesia, root canal therapy pain and discomfort is minimal. This common procedure can be compared to receiving a typical filling, and typically only takes between 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
Pulpotomy in Dunedin
For children who still have their baby (primary) teeth, a tooth pulpotomy is often preferred over root canal therapy. Pulpotomies repair the dental pulp in the visible crown of the tooth, compared to root canal therapy which treats the pulp into the roots of the tooth. This treatment saves teeth with decay that has reached the dental pulp from infection or tooth extraction. Avoiding early extraction lets adult teeth develop naturally so they don’t grow in misaligned.
During a child’s checkup, our team will use digital x-rays and a visual examination to see if decay has reached the dental pulp. There are also a few signs you can look out for at home:
- Recent tooth pain or increased sensitivity
- Visible decay or discoloration of a tooth
- Damaged or chipped teeth that allow bacteria to reach the dental pulp
Our goal is to save natural teeth to allow them to grow as intended. Early intervention for any problems is always key.
Dunedin Root Canal Aftercare
Recovery from root canal therapy is a quick process. Some soreness may persist for a couple of days after the procedure, so take the recommended dosage of prescribed medication to ease any discomfort. To lessen discomfort, it’s recommended to eat softer foods and be extra gentle during brushing.
Within a week, the tooth will be fully healed in most cases. Continue practicing daily oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day, and schedule regular cleanings and checkups to ensure the long-lasting health of your teeth.
Complete Tooth Care With Root Canals at Bayshore Family Dental
We’re here to answer any questions and ease your worries. With the Bayshore Family Dental team on your side, you can have confidence you’ll receive total and compassionate care. Contact us to schedule your next appointment today.