Each year, more than 14 million root canals are performed in the United States. Despite the fact that these treatments can relieve pain and save teeth, they still fill patients with anxiety. Fortunately, thanks to advances in dental technology and improved anesthetics, most root canal procedures are relatively painless, and many patients report little or no discomfort during the procedure itself.
A tooth’s nerve, or pulp, provides the sensation of hot and cold to the tooth. However, the pulp is not important to the health and function of a tooth once it has emerged through the gums.
If a tooth’s pulp becomes damaged or infected, a root canal treatment will be necessary to remove the damaged tissue and disinfect the space where the nerve is located. The treatment involves removing the infected pulp from inside the root of the tooth, cleaning out the infected tissue and filling and sealing the space to prevent bacteria from entering.
The finest Sarasota Root Canal specialist in FL will be able to help you identify any symptoms of pulp damage or infection and explain the process of root canal therapy. You may feel sensitivity to heat or cold, severe pain when you chew or apply pressure to the affected tooth, a dark discoloration of your tooth or swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums.
Root canals are necessary when a tooth has become severely decayed or is infected. Left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to pain, swelling and bone loss around the roots of the tooth, as well as an abscess (a collection of pus) that can spread into your gums.
You will be given antibiotics to prevent any further infections that could occur after the root canal is completed. In addition, your dentist will recommend that you have a follow-up exam 6 months after the initial treatment.
During your Sarasota root canal appointment, your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia. Once numb, the dentist will make an opening in the crown of the tooth and clean and disinfect the infected pulp chamber and root canal. Then, the space is filled with a biocompatible filling material called gutta-percha.
Your Sarasota root canal specialist will make a final seal with an adhesive to keep the infected pulp out of your bloodstream. Your Sarasota root canal specialist should also check your tooth for any signs of future infection or damage, and will take X-rays to ensure the treatment was successful.
A root canal can be a complex procedure and should only be performed by a Sarasota Root Canal specialist, who will be trained to handle any complications that might arise. If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact the office.
When your root canal is complete, you will be given an anti-bacterial rinse that you can use at home to help prevent any further infection. Your Sarasota Root Canal specialist will also recommend that you have a follow-up appointment at least every six months to monitor your treated tooth for any signs of future decay or damage.