Dentists recommend root canal treatment for damaged, diseased, or infected teeth. The treatment aims to eliminate bacteria within the tooth's pulp and save a patient's natural teeth. After a tooth matures, it no longer requires the pulp for nourishment. The dentist removes the infected pulp, disinfects the inside, and seals it to prevent reinfection.
Decay and damage do not always occur in only one tooth. In the case of cavities, some patients have a predisposition for tooth decay. Likewise, patients might suffer cracks to multiple teeth due to accidents or grinding. Cracks can extend to the root and consequently damage the pulp. If an individual has various infected or damaged teeth, a dentist may recommend multiple root canals.
Before undergoing a root canal, patients can benefit from understanding the anatomy of their teeth. The pulp is a soft tissue beneath the enamel and dentin, extending from root to crown. It houses connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves.
Deep decay and cracks damage the pulp. When left untreated, the pulp becomes inflamed and infected. Signs of an infection include:
An infection in the tooth can spread to surrounding tissues and jawbone. Root canals are ideal for patients who want to save their teeth and preserve their bite.
While multiple teeth may require root canal therapy, most dentists do not perform numerous root canals in one sitting. The procedure involves creating a tiny opening within the tooth to access the chamber. Next, the dentist carves out the tooth's nerve, removes the infection, and thoroughly disinfects the tooth.
Most appointments last between 30 minutes to one hour, but complex procedures last as long as 90 minutes. The length of time depends on the position of the tooth and the extent of the damage. For example, canines and incisors take less time because they have a single root to clean and fill. On the other hand, molars might have four canals to treat.
Dentists often fill and seal the tooth with a temporary filling material following the procedure. Most set up a second appointment to fit a permanent crown.
Most patients return to regular activities shortly after the procedure. Many patients can resume work on the same day or the next. Full recovery usually takes a few days, but rare cases require one to two weeks. If several teeth have infections, the dentist may treat the infections with antibiotics and schedule several procedures over time.
Root canals preserve a patient's natural teeth. In some cases, individuals present with multiple damaged or decayed teeth. While dentists do not perform numerous root canals in one appointment, they do perform this treatment on multiple teeth over a period of time.
Request an appointment here: https://yoursensationalsmile.com or call Colella Cosmetic Dentistry at (954) 428-6923 for an appointment in our Coconut Creek office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Root Canal Treatment in Coconut Creek, FL.
A broken tooth can result from severe decay, cracks, or trauma. Continue reading to learn whether a dentist will recommend a root canal during the repair process. A broken tooth means a portion of the tooth’s structure above the gum line has come off. You should schedule a dentist appointment immediately after the incident to…
Regular, preventive dental procedures from a family dentist are key to preventing oral diseases, maintaining healthy oral health, protecting your teeth from pain, and ensuring your smile can last a lifetime. Preventive dental procedures allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and locate any minor issues before they become painful, expensive issues that can…
According to our preventive dentist and the American Dental Association, the answer to that question is every six months for most people. That is the maximum amount of time you should have between dental visits since it ensures your dentist can detect any developing problems before they cause significant damage to the structures inside your…
There is a brief window of opportunity in which an emergency dentist may be able to save a tooth that gets knocked out. The chances are better within 30 minutes after the injury and start to decrease after an hour, so prompt treatment is key. There are things you can do before seeing the dentist…
Patients can expect to experience some swelling, bleeding and various levels of pain after undergoing…
A lot of general dentistry care is focused on the prevention of tooth decay. It…
In a general dentistry office, dental bonding is used to repair teeth that have sustained…
If you notice that your gums are bright red, swollen-looking, or bleed when you brush…
Most people will develop at least one dental cavity by the time they reach adulthood.…
Many people have anxiety regarding going to the dentist. General dentistry visits can be easier…
