Root Canal in Stuart, FL
Affordable root canals are a viable and preferred option to preserve the appearance and function of a dead, injured, or heavily diseased tooth. And, with modern technology in endodontics, root canals are no more discomforting than any other dental procedure. Emergency root canals can be performed to immediately alleviate intense dental pain as the result of an injury or infection. Nearly 14 million root canals are performed every year in the US.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal procedure is when the damaged or diseased pulp is removed, and the canal is filled and sealed. Once the damaged or diseased portions of the tooth have been treated, the remaining tooth is restored. The finished tooth is protected with a crown. The entire procedure can take up to three appointments depending on the condition of the tooth. An affordable root canal is often the best option for preserving a heavily diseased or damaged tooth. When pain is severe or unmanageable, an emergency root canal may be necessary.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
It is not possible to self-diagnose your need for a root canal. However, some things can indicate that a trip to the dentist is necessary and a root canal may be in your future.
- Tooth discomfort that gets worse when you bite down on food or put pressure on the tooth.
- Pain that lingers after the hot/cold stimulus has been removed.
- Gum irritation surrounding the affected tooth, including inflammation and tenderness.
If pain is unbearable, getting an emergency dentist to perform the root canal may be necessary to relieve the pain.
Root Canal Treatment
Modern root canal treatments typically require up to three appointments to treat the tooth, restore it, and protect it. In the first appointment, the diseased pulp will be removed from the canal, and the area will be cleaned of any bacteria. The empty canal is filled to prevent bacteria from re-entering that space. Then, the tooth is sealed to make sure that new bacteria cannot get in. Once the root canal is complete, the tooth structure can be built back up and then a crown is positioned over the tooth to shield it and maintain the work that was performed during the root canal.
What are Endodontists?
An Endodontist is a distinct type of dentist that specializes in treating issues affecting the soft, inner pulp of the tooth. Endodontists perform root canals. They have additional education beyond dental school and have specialized expertise in treating tooth pain and its underlying causes. Traditional dentists can treat tooth decay and pain to some degree, and sometimes teeth can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Endodontists can offer affordable root canals as an effective way to treat tooth pain.
What Happens After Treatment?
In most cases, the pain or discomfort from the root canal treatment should resolve within a few days. In some cases, bacterial infections that cause the initial tooth decay can be hard to clear. One reason that root canal therapies sometimes fail is because of a lingering bacterial infection in the tooth. Following a root canal, contact Stuart Modern Dentists if any of the following occur:
- Persistent sensitivity only when biting down on food
- Pain or discomfort that significantly worsens or does not resolve within 2-3 weeks
- A fever which can be a sign of a growing infection
