When a tooth is so damaged or decayed that it can no longer be restored with a filling alone, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy in Jacksonville. This procedure is an advanced dentistry service that offers us a way to rescue a tooth that is on its last leg -- and, while root canals may have a bad reputation, there’s really nothing to fear or dread from this common treatment. Keep reading to learn more about root canals, and how getting one can save your smile.
A root canal is necessary when the interior of the tooth, the part known as the pulp, is affected by decay or injury. This is usually the result of an untreated cavity or a broken tooth. Because the interior of the tooth houses its nerves and sensitive tissue, you are likely to feel a persistent ache when you need a root canal, which is why so many people in need of root canal come to us as dental emergencies. When the tissue is so damaged that it is no longer living, however, you may feel nothing at all.
Some of the warning signs that you need a root canal include:
Do not hesitate to contact your dentist if you experience any of the above symptoms. A root canal should be treated right away to prevent the spread of infection, which could put your overall health at risk.
Most root canals are performed over the course of two visits to the dentist. To begin the procedure, your dentist will begin by putting together a treatment plan built specifically for you. Once we are ready to begin the procedure, comforting anesthesia and/or sedation will be administered to ensure that you are completely relaxed and at-ease. Then, the procedure is completed in a series of steps.
Despite its reputation, the root canal procedure itself is not actually associated with any real pain or discomfort. Instead, it is the toothache that occurs in the lead up to a root canal that causes the real issue. Our root canal experts offer exceptional care and use anesthesia to help patients glide through this procedure with ease!
If you have a severely aching or damaged tooth, don’t wait another day to find a solution. Jacksonville Complete Dentistry is here to help! Request an appointment online today for expert restorative dentistry in Jacksonville, FL.
Despite the rumors you may have heard, you have nothing to fear if you find out that you need a root canal in Jacksonville. This procedure is far from being painful. In fact, it’s expressly designed to relieve your pain. However, there are still a lot of myths and concerns floating around about this treatment. That’s why we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions about root canal therapy in the section below.
The amount of time your root canal will take depends on which type of tooth is being treated. Molars, which are the teeth in the back of your mouth, have more root canals that must be sanitized than front teeth, so treating a molar will take longer. In general, you can plan on your procedure lasting between one and two hours.
One popular rumor about root canal therapy purports that it can cause cancer. This myth was based on outdated and thoroughly debunked research from the 1920s. If anything, root canals make you healthier by eliminating the infection in your mouth. There has never been a proven link between root canal therapy and any type of cancer.
It’s completely normal for your tooth to be sore or sensitive for a few days after your root canal, especially if there was an infection there before the procedure. This discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
While you should be able to resume your normal activities the following day, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days so that you don’t delay the healing process. Try not to chew directly with the treated tooth until the permanent filling or crown has been placed. As for oral hygiene, you should be able to brush and floss as normal.
Root canal therapy has a success rate of over 95 percent. The vast majority of teeth that have been treated with a root canal go on to last the rest of a patient’s life without having to be extracted. Because the tooth will be topped with a tooth-colored crown or filling, no one will even be able to tell that you had a root canal.
If your emergency dentist in Jacksonville recommends a root canal, you shouldn’t put it off, especially if you have an infection. Not only will it result in a prolonged toothache, but the infection could spread to your gums or surrounding teeth. It could even travel through your bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of your body.
Avoiding a needed root canal could also damage the tooth to the point that it has to be removed in order to preserve your oral health. Missing teeth come with a slew of health problems, like drifting teeth and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease. Not to mention, tooth replacement can be expensive. Save yourself the money by getting a root canal so you can maintain your natural smile.