A root canal is a common dental procedure that removes infected or damaged tooth pulp and fills the area with a special material called gutta percha. This helps to eliminate bacteria that may have infected your tooth’s pulp and protect it from future decay.
The inner makeup of a tooth is unlike any other, consisting of the crown (the part of the tooth that’s above your gum line) and roots (the section of the tooth that connects to the jawbone). Inside the crown and roots is a hollow space known as the pulp. This is where nerve tissue, blood vessels and other cells live.
Infected or injured pulp can lead to serious problems including tooth pain, swelling and an abscess. Unless treated, these symptoms will progress to a much more serious condition called irreversible pulpitis. If left untreated, this infection can spread to your bone and other parts of your body.
Your dentist can diagnose the cause of a painful tooth by listening to your oral symptoms, taking X-rays and performing other investigations. Then, they’ll determine if you need root canal treatment. For more details, check out www.thesarasotadentist.net/root-canals/.
Symptoms such as persistent tooth pain, swelling or heat sensitivity are the most common signs of an infected tooth. Your dentist can also find out whether you have a fistula, which is a small bump that appears in your gum where an infected tooth has inflamed the surrounding tissues.
Other symptoms to look out for include a bad taste in your mouth or a feeling that something is wrong with the tooth or gums. If you experience any of these, visit your dentist immediately.
You may be referred to an endodontist, or Root Canal Specialist, for the procedure. These specialists are highly trained to perform root canals and will have the necessary skills to ensure your tooth is fully restored and that you’re comfortable with the treatment.
Root Canals are a common and conservative alternative to extraction or replacement of an infected tooth. They’re a less costly option and preserve your natural teeth for many years.
How long does a root canal take?
The length of time a root canal takes depends on the type of tooth and how severe your infection is. For most molars and premolars, it usually takes about an hour. For canines and incisors, the procedure takes about 45 to 60 minutes.
After the procedure is finished, your dentist will numb your tooth and gums with local anesthesia. Next, they’ll drill an access hole into the infected area and use a series of root canal files to scrape away any remaining bacteria or decayed nerve tissue. Then, they’ll clean the area with water or sodium hypochlorite.
Depending on how infected the tooth was, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics to help with the recovery process. They can be given before or after the root canal to reduce your chances of systemic infections and to help your tooth heal more quickly.
Your dentist in Sarasota Fl should do a checkup and CBCT scan on your root-canaled tooth every 3-6 months to make sure the treatment has been successful. They’ll also be able to spot any new signs of infection and recommend the next course of action.