Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth becomes painful, it is possible decay has penetrated it and affected the nerve. In these situations, a root canal may be necessary. At Parkwood Dental, our doctor performs root canal treatment with a focus on optimal patient safety and comfort.
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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.
Root Canal Therapy in Bradenton, Lakewood Rch, Sarasota, Parrish, and Oneco Dental
Same-day root canal treatment can save your tooth
Our dentists at Parkwood Dental perform a same day Root Canal to repair and save a badly damaged or infected tooth instead of removing it. Root canal treatment is not painful and can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely.
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, our doctors will perform a comprehensive examination with advanced diagnostic technology to determine if you are a candidate for root canal treatment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A Root Canal Treatment should not hurt, and we make every effort to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. However, due to the extent of some infections, some discomfort may be inevitable. Discomfort becomes more common the longer the infection goes untreated- so come in as soon as you notice any tooth or gum pain.
After a root canal treatment, it is common to have some discomfort for 1-2 days after the procedure, generally much less than the original tooth pain. Sometimes it can persist for a week after the procedure, but this is rare and usually only happens when the infection is allowed to grow too large before treatment.
We recommend a crown procedure following a root canal treatment (RCT) to protect your tooth. During the RCT, a hole is drilled in the tooth to perform a root canal- while we fill this hole, the tooth inevitably becomes more fragile after the root canal procedure. Therefore, a crown is added to make the tooth stronger, able to withstand chewing forces.
We are Accepting New Patients for Root Canal Therapy
Have you been told you need a root canal? We offer free second opinions. Call us to schedule today.