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?
Root 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- Reestablishing typical gnawing power and sensation
- Biting stays productive
- Shielding the other teeth from extreme stressing or wear
- 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.