Root Canal for a Toothache to Salvage a Tooth

When you think about the term “root canal” or better known in the dentistry world as root canal therapy, what comes to mind? Is it a long, painful procedure that a scary, evil dentist might force you to endure for no good reason? Unfortunately, it seems that these days, root canals get a pretty bad rap. The idea of a root canal isn’t a foreign concept to most people, but do you know what it actually entails, and why it is necessary for preventing toothache and too loss?

Why Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary Because of a Toothache?

Image of tooth under the crownRoot canal therapy becomes necessary when the inner layer of a tooth, the dental pulp, becomes compromised as a result of an oral bacteria or as a result of deep dental cavities. The procedure prevents infection of the tooth, toothache, and tooth loss. Root canal therapy is a very sensitive procedure and it has to be performed with meticulous care and expertise. Our endodontist, Dr. Pross, Kanter and Tindell have an excellent track record performing root canal therapy and have saved many dental patients from pain, tooth loss and having to seek an emergency dentist in Tampa.

FACT: Root canal therapy saves an average of 17 million teeth per year. That’s more teeth than the amount of people who live in the entire country of Greece (according to official population estimates by the UN). This procedure is crucial for saving teeth. At North Pointe Dental Associates, our dentists are extremely qualified to perform this procedure, saving teeth and contributing to your lifetime oral health.

Root Canal Therapy: Prevent Toothache and Tooth Loss

The tooth is comprised of three parts: the hard, protective enamel, the softer, sensitive dentin and the inner layer, a soft tissue known as dental pulp. The dental pulp contains nerve tissue, lymph tissue and blood vessels, and is considered the most essential part of the tooth. When dental pulp is compromised, it is treated and cleansed through root canal therapy.

Root canal therapy is generally performed under local anesthesia for maximum patient comfort. When an infection is present, antibiotics are given for a specific amount of time before to the procedure, although this may not be necessary. During root canal therapy, your dentist uses the most up-to-date, advanced dental tools to access the dental pulp chamber and carefully remove any diseased tissue and debris without damaging the rest of the tooth or the surrounding areas. To minimize damage to the surrounding ligaments and bone, our dentists can use X-rays and other high-tech tools to accurately perform the procedure. In this way, root canal therapy is a very delicate procedure. After the dental pulp is cleansed, the tooth is filled and a temporary filling is placed in order to seal the tooth. A dental crown or permanent filling is performed after root canal therapy to protect the enamel. It is possible that root canal therapy may lead to some discomfort and soreness for about three to five days after treatment. Drs. Pross, Kanter or Tindell will provide you with detailed after-care instructions and pain medicine. In many cases, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. In the end, the discomfort associated with root canal therapy is temporary, while the pain and suffering caused by infection and decay is difficult to treat.

When a Toothache Requires a Root Canal

When a toothache requires a root canal, look for a Tampa dentist at North Pointe Dental Associates. We are a premier, full-service dental practice in Tampa, Florida. With an experienced, skilled dental team, our dentists at North Pointe have been delivering superb, personalized dental care and smile makeover procedures since 1976. From our friendly and welcoming front office staff, to our exceptional dental hygienists and dental techs, the entire North Pointe team is committed to your maximum oral health and optimal smile aesthetic. We utilize a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure both your oral health and the beauty of your smile. We can help you protect and maintain the function and form of your teeth using advanced general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures, as well as state-of-the-art technology. Our ultimate goal is that when you smile; you smile with radiance, beauty and confidence. By offering a wide array of services, we prevent you from needing to be referred out, saving you time and stress. Our dentist emphasis is on total preventive care for our patients. We believe that the best, comprehensive care starts with regular checkups and cleanings, and effective at-home oral health routines. We also provide exceptional services for restoring mouths damaged by dental disease or injury, and other common problems that require cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment today with Drs. Kanter, Tindell, and Pross today.

Root Canal Procedure
The scariest sentence heard while sitting in the dental chair is your tooth needs a Root Canal Procedure. Even if you don’t know what it means, you’ve heard the horror stories from friends and families about the surgery and the recovery process, which was enough to scare you. It may sound like the last thing you want to do; this procedure will allow your dentist to save a painful tooth caused by infection due to tooth decay and most importantly, alleviate the pain!Here in our Tampa Dentist Office, North Pointe Dental Associates, we see many patients with tooth pain caused by cavities, cracks, and chips. However, if the cavity is too deep or the crack in the crown includes the dentin, a root canal may be required to save the tooth. In this article we pass all some good information about what a root canal is, the truths, why it’s an effective solution, a guide to a root canal therapy procedure, 4 signs you may need a root canal and the advantage of this procedure to help with your tooth pain.
What are Root Canals?
Although modern technology can create wonderful replacement teeth (also known as dental implants) its best to keep your real ones, if possible. Hence, it’s worth the additional expense to undergo a root canal procedure. This involves removing your tooth’s nerve, aka pulp, as well as cleaning and sealing its interior root and capping it with a new crown.Just thinking about the nerve of your tooth may have you wincing in pain calling for an emergency procedure, but this nerve is not as essential to your tooth’s health as you might believe. Once your tooth has fully moved into its permanent position, the main function of your tooth’s nerve is to deliver the sensations of hot and cold. Aside from this minor lack of sensation, you shouldn’t notice any difference in daily tooth performance.Root canal procedures are often touted to be incredibly painful. As your dentist will assure you, most people find a root canal no more painful than a dental filling. Though, for a full understanding of the root canal procedure, we suggest you read “Root Canal Therapy: Prevent Toothache and Tooth Loss”.After the root canal has been performed, inflammation may cause your tooth to feel especially sensitive. This is more likely to occur in situations where pain or infection was already present before the root canal. Discomfort can be regulated with over-the-counter pain medications, but if it continues beyond a few days or the pain worsens, put in an immediate call to your dentist.If you take good care of your tooth, your root canal should be permanent and last forever. Thus, it’s essential to continue good oral hygiene efforts. In the meantime, why not learn how to build an even better oral hygiene routine?
Searching the internet for the truth about Root Canals
Has your dentist recommended a root canal to resolve a current dental problem you’re facing? This will have you searching the internet for the complete truth about root canals. There’s no need to be fearful of this treatment which more than 15 million people take advantage of each year. If you require a root canal, it’s likely due to severe tooth decay or infection. In this case, root canal therapy is often your last chance to repair and save your tooth. Trust the recommendation of your dentist over the articles you find online. The sources of the articles will not have your x-rays or have ability to speak to the expertise of your dentist and the tools your doctor uses to perform the procedure.

Effective Solution of Painful Teeth is Root Canal
Root canals are needed primarily because the tooth has become severely infected. This infection is usually caused by an oral injury or an untreated cavity. Without a root canal, or if the root canal procedure is put off for too long, chances are your dentist will have to remove the tooth altogether.During a root canal procedure, your dentist will numb the area to prevent any pain. Once the area is sufficiently numb, your dentist will drill into the top side of the tooth. X-rays will be used for proper alignment of the rotary bur used to drill the holes into the tooth. Then another instrument is used to pull the roots out of the tooth. Once everything is removed and the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, the tooth is filled like any cavity is filled.After a root canal, you will need to rest and eat the proper foods. Your dentist can provide you a suggested list of foods and drinks that will not cause pain or healing complications. You will also need to maintain a regular cleaning schedule with your dentist to prevent any other teeth from becoming infected and to ensure the tooth is functioning correctly.
4 Signs That Might Mean You Need a Root Canal
Instead of Googling unqualified sources. Here are four signs we typically see that it might be time for a root canal.

  1. Large Fillings

Large fillings can be an indicator that a root canal may be necessary. If there is a great deal of decay, a large filling will be required. It could affect your tooth and require a root canal to be done immediately. It also acts as a warning sign that your tooth requires a root canal because the decay is quite deep. So, if your dentist mentions to you about your tooth requires a large filling, prepare yourself for a possible root canal procedure.

  1. Heavy Decay

It’s important to stay on top of your oral care. Cavities that are left untreated can turn into bigger problems. These can cause deep decay that will cause massive amounts of pain and even the loss of your tooth. Catch this early on so that you won’t be in extreme pain and won’t require a more serious procedure, like a root canal.

  1. Repeated Dental Work

Another big sign that you may need a root canal is if you have repeated dental work done on the same tooth. If you fill your tooth but have cracks, then that tooth will need to be filled again. This can lead to cavities flaring up again and add new decay to that tooth.

  1. Cracks

Any distress or trauma to your teeth can make it necessary for a root canal to be needed. If the damage is extensive or has extended to the pulp, then a root canal will be needed to repair the damage. Remember, a root canal is meant to help your teeth once extensive damage has been done. It will help you feel much better and will ensure that further damage is prevented.

The Incalculable Advantages of Root Canal Therapy
Toothaches can cause you restless evenings. A throbbing tooth can disrupt your life with excruciating pain. It prompts migraines, incapacitating torment in the mouth, makes eating an issue and even worse, sleeping. If your tooth needs a root canal therapy, if recommend by the dentist, the procedure can ease those toothaches you’ve been experiencing and return your mouth back to normal once fully recovered.

Dental Practice in Tampa Florida

Finding your ideal dentist can take time. If you live in the Tampa Florida area, we invite you to learn more about North Pointe Dental Associates and read what a few of our patients have to say about their experiences with our dental team. For any questions or to book an appointment, please call (813) 961-1727 or send us a message online.

Root Canal Frequently Asked Questions:

How does root canal therapy help?

Amid the root canal treatment, the tainted or aggravated mash, or root, is deliberately removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned. It is then purified to keep any further harm by contamination. Once the cleaning and purification are finished, the tooth is topped and closed utilizing an elastic-like material known as gutta-percha. The last advance is to reestablish the tooth with a crown or filling that offers assurance.

This method is critical to ensure that the teeth work like some other teeth. In this way, the advantages of a root canal therapy include:

  1. Reestablishing typical gnawing power and sensation
  2. Biting stays productive
  3. Shielding the other teeth from extreme stressing or wear
  4. Keeping up the common appearance of the tooth

To what extent does the system take?

A root canal is a somewhat basic method when completed by an accomplished proficient. Depending upon the state of your tooth and individual conditions, it can be performed and finished relatively quickly. Once the root canal procedure is completed and the inflammation it caused is gone, the tooth can return to normal and perform as expected.