FAQs: Root Canal Therapy
What is a Root Canal?
You’ve probably heard of a root canal, but chances are, you don’t know exactly what the procedure is or what it addresses. But, if left untreated, it can cause tooth damage and pain. You should know what the procedure does and what signs to look for to know if a root canal is needed.
Root canal therapy is a procedure used to treat tooth pulp conditions. When a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal is used to treat the source of the problem. You should never ignore inflammation and or pain in a tooth, as this can lead to serious risks if allowed to go untreated, such as chronic infection, worsening pain, and damage to other healthy teeth. A root canal can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. It can significantly improve the health of your teeth and is a vitally necessary procedure.
How do I know if I need Root Canal Therapy?
There are a number of specific indications you can be on the lookout for if you suspect you may need this procedure. Here are a few of the key ones to look for:
- You experience increasing discomfort or even pain while drinking hot or cold fluids
- You have chronic and persistent tooth pain, whether you are eating or drinking or not
- You see or feel any signs of tooth decay
- You have a tooth or teeth that have chips or even cracks
- You have crowns or fillings that have started to show some damage (either visually or you feel they are damaged)
- You have swollen or tender gums
- You have one or more teeth that are beginning to show signs of discoloration
If you see or feel any of these, it is vital to contact an endodontist and get a consultation right away.
What is an Endodontist?
An endodontist is not just a dentist. They are specialists with additional study (minimally two years worth) in advanced clinical and biomedical endodontic training courses. Endodontics focuses on the identification of the root causes of tooth pain. It allows a trained endodontic specialist to address tooth trauma and tooth injuries and deliver root canal therapy. An endodontist specialist is a rare accreditation, with only about three percent of dentists qualifying as endodontists.
How is Root Canal Therapy performed?
The first step is always a consultation with the endodontist. Your endodontist will answer any questions about the procedure and address any concerns you may have. He will then conduct a thorough examination of the problem area and all surrounding teeth and adjoining tissue. This clinical assessment will include digital x-rays to get a complete picture of the mouth and ensure the correct source of pain and discomfort is located.
Next, a local anesthetic will be administered to ensure your procedure is painless. After the anesthetic has taken effect, the procedure will begin. First, the endodontist will place a “dental dam,” a small protective barrier isolating the tooth for the procedure. The endodontist will then make a small opening in the crown in order to thoroughly clean and disinfect the pulp chamber and root canal of the tooth. The root canals are then filled, and sealed. After the root canal treatment is done, a permanent tooth restoration is always the final step.
Is Root Canal Therapy painful?
Local anesthetic is always used for a root canal procedure to ensure the experience is comfortable and pain-free. After the procedure, you may experience a small degree of discomfort or soreness. This is to be expected and is a normal part of the healing process. You can also utilize over-the-counter pain medication to help manage this.
What are the benefits of a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is the most effective step you can take to preserve the health of your teeth, eliminate tooth pain, and help preserve your teeth naturally. You will immediately feel the effects as your natural chewing and biting force is restored and now pain-free. Unlike procedures that use prosthetics, a root canal restores the natural health and appearance of your original teeth while protecting them against damage and wear.
Why choose Orange Dental Partners for my Root Canal Therapy?
Dr. Posner completed the noteworthy New York University post-graduate specialty training in root canal therapy, dental trauma, regenerative dentistry, and retreatments. He performs well over a thousand root canal procedures each year, applying his expertise and providing the experience to become an authority in the field of Endodontics. The entire endodontics team at Orange Dental Partners strives to bring their patients the longest-lasting and most comfortable root canal therapy in North Palm Beach, FL. Their expertise and care are unmatched. Book a consultation and find out for yourself today.
