Root Canal in Odessa, FL | Spring Haven Dental

ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Everyone’s worst fear is hearing their dentist utter the words “root canal” to them due to their notorious reputation for being painful; however, these feelings are often misplaced as the advancement in dental techniques and equipment have made root canals much more comfortable for patients.

At Spring Haven Dental, our team of experienced and certified professionals are here to ease any anxiety you may have over the root canal process. Our primary goal with this procedure is to save your tooth and prevent any further damage or infection. Here is everything you need to know about the root canal treatment in Odessa, Fl and what to expect when you schedule a root canal treatment with us.

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WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

Getting a root canal treatment in Odessa, FL is recommended if a tooth has been damaged or infected, and can be saved rather than being removed altogether. The procedure involves drilling into the tooth, then removing the damaged or infected tissue from inside the root canals (thus the name). The entire tooth is then filled and sealed to ensure it regains its structural stability.

WHY WOULD YOU NEED A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?

A root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp or nerve tissue of your tooth becomes damaged or infected.

The most common way this can happen is due to severe tooth decay, which allows bacteria (from the decay) to travel down into the root canal system and infect the soft tissue or pulp, which sits inside your tooth’s root canals. This can cause severe pain and discomfort, as well as damage to the tooth. To save the tooth and prevent further damage, a root canal treatment in Odessa, Fl may be necessary. Other reasons include:

Your tooth has an abscess. This is a pus-filled pocket that forms around the end of the tooth’s root. It can be caused by an infection, or it can occur when the pulp inside the tooth dies.
You have suffered an injury to your tooth, or it’s been worn down significantly. If you’ve suffered significant trauma to your tooth, such as a fall or a blow to your mouth, it can damage the pulp enough that a root canal is necessary. In some cases, if your tooth has been worn down too much, it may no longer provide enough support, and if the nerve becomes exposed, this can lead to an infection.
You have a large filling (or multiple fillings) in your tooth. If you’ve had multiple fillings or one large filling in a tooth, over time it can cause the tooth to become too weak and brittle. If this brittleness causes minute cracks in the rest of the tooth’s natural structure, this can lead to an infection if bacteria gets in.

HOW DO I KNOW THAT THE PULP HAS BECOME DAMAGED OR INFECTED?

There are a few common symptoms that may indicate that the pulp of your tooth has become damaged or infected, including:

Severe pain in and around the tooth, including when you bite down on it.
Severe sensitivity to hot and cold that is prolonged.
Tooth discoloration on the biting surface.
Your gums have become swollen around the tooth.
You have a small, pimple-like bump, also known as an abscess, on your gums.
Your gums are tender to the touch or have drainage.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact one of our team members here at Spring Haven Dental, and book a consultation. We can help determine if a root canal is necessary.

WHAT DOES A ROOT CANAL TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?

The root canal procedure is relatively simple, and only has a few steps involved. Here is what the root canal treatment process looks like at Spring Haven Dental:

X-Ray. Every root canal starts with an x-ray to determine what state the roots of the affected tooth are in. Both the shape of the tooth and progression of the infection are necessary before the procedure can continue.
Area Preparation. Once This is done, the area surrounding the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. The tooth must be kept dry during the process, so it is surrounded by a rubber dam that fits tightly around it.
Drilling. It is here that the drilling begins, and the center of the tooth is drilled out through the top.
Cleaning. A series of special tools, paired with distilled water, are then used to clear out the inner tissue from both the main body, and all the way to the ends of the roots. The pulp, nerve tissue, and any bacteria present needs to be thoroughly cleared away to ensure the infection doesn’t return.
Filling and Sealing. Finally, the tooth is packed tightly with filling, then sealed to keep the filling intact and repel any outer debris.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT POST-PROCEDURE?

After treatment, it is common to expect sensitivity, especially if sensitivity was already present beforehand. This can be easily managed with non-prescription pain medications, and should allow you to return to your normal activities within 48 hours.

NEED HELP WITH A DAMAGED OR INFECTED TOOTH?

If you’re in need of a root canal treatment in Odessa, FL, the team here at Spring Haven Dental can help! Simply book a consultation with us, and we can assess the damaged or infected tooth, and create a specialized root canal treatment plan for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.