When your tooth’s pulp becomes infected or damaged, root canal therapy is a dental treatment option that can save the damaged nerve tissue. Previously, this meant losing the tooth, but with today’s technology and expertise, you can often restore your tooth’s functionality with this simple procedure.
Fortunately, the success rate of root canals has improved greatly over recent decades and the procedure can be carried out comfortably in most cases. Nevertheless, some patients are still concerned about the discomfort involved and the potential for pain after the procedure. The good news is that the numbness that you feel following your root canal will likely last for a few hours, and you can generally go back to work or school immediately after receiving the treatment.
Your root canal specialist in Sarasota will numb the area with a local anesthetic, and then place a protective sheet (dental dam) over the tooth to keep it free from saliva during treatment. Then, tiny instruments are used to remove the infected pulp, clean out the root canals and shape the space for the filling material that will eventually be placed in the tooth.
Once the canals have been cleaned, they are filled with a rubber compound and a sealer paste. A filling is then placed to close the access hole that was created during treatment, and your dentist may recommend a crown or other restoration for your tooth.
What are the signs of a need for a root canal?
If you experience sensitivity to heat or cold, a tooth that is painful when chewing, or puffy, tender or swollen gums, your dentist may suggest a root canal. You may also experience throbbing pain in your tooth after an injury or a toothache that doesn’t seem to go away. Click here for more details.
Is root canal therapy covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance providers cover at least part of the cost of this restorative dentistry procedure. Contact your insurance provider for specific details.
How long does a root canal take?
The length of a root canal treatment session depends on the number of roots that need to be treated and how bad your infection is. Molars, for example, can take up to 90 minutes, while premolars and canines are typically 45-60 minutes.
How does a root canal differ from an endodontic treatment?
During an endodontic procedure, the tooth’s infected pulp is removed and then disinfected, packed and filled. Once this is done, a protective covering called a crown is placed over the tooth to help it last longer and prevent future damage.
Why is a root canal treatment important?
A root canal is a necessary dental procedure to save a tooth that has been badly infected by bacteria. The infected tissue and pulp are not vital to the function of the tooth, but they can cause severe pain and even lead to tooth loss if they aren’t treated quickly.
The reversible and irreversible nature of root canals means that you can still have a functional tooth after the procedure. However, your dentist will usually recommend that you replace the tooth with a crown shortly afterward to protect it from further damage and to restore its full function.