When a tooth becomes painful, it may be because decay has penetrated it and affected the nerve. In these situations, a root canal may be necessary. At Parkwood Dental, Dr. Oscar Hernandez performs root canal treatment with a focus on optimal patient safety and comfort.
Contact Parkwood Dental today at our locations in East Bradenton and West Bradenton, Florida, to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hernandez and find out if you are a candidate for root canal therapy.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is usually performed to remove a damaged nerve from the mouth while saving the tooth. Millions of root canals are performed every year, and are often preferred over completely extracting the tooth.
Although the enamel is the only visible part of teeth, they also contain a hard layer of dentin, a soft layer of pulp and a system of roots and nerves on the inside. When decay penetrates the harder layers of the tooth and inflames the soft tissues and nerves on the inside, pain and discomfort can occur.
If left untreated, inflamed nerves and pulp can lead to an abscess underneath the tooth, causing further pain. Root canals are rarely a desired procedure for patients, but continued inflammation and pain inside the tooth will not go away on its own and can lead to more serious dental concerns.
How is a Root Canal Treatment Performed?
The extent of the root canal procedure depends on the severity of the condition. Although most root canals are performed in one visit, some cases may require multiple appointments to complete.
During root canal treatment, the inside of the tooth is removed, and the tooth is cleaned and sterilized. It is then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material. The tooth is then further protected with the placement of a crown or filling. Once a root canal is complete, the affected tooth still appears and operates like a normal tooth.
How Does a Root Canal Treatment Save Teeth?
When adult teeth are developing, the network of blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue inside the tooth aid in proper development. Once a tooth is fully formed, however, it can survive on its own without the tissues on the inside. Removing the infected pulp and protecting the outside of the tooth will not only alleviate your pain, it is also essential in maintaining your dental health for multiple reasons:
- The tooth will still be properly nourished from gum tissue, even with missing pulp
- After root canal treatment, you are left with your natural tooth. Having the tooth completely extracted results in a gap in the mouth that requires an implant.
- The affected tooth is cleaned from the inside and protected on the outside, significantly reducing the risk of future problems with the tooth.
During your consultation, Dr. Hernandez will perform a comprehensive examination with advanced diagnostic technology to determine if you are a candidate for root canal treatment.
Contact Parkwood Dental today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hernandez and find out more about root canal treatment.
