Reliable and Effective Root Canals in Boca Raton, FL

How Root Canals Work

The innermost core of your tooth (a.k.a. the dental pulp) consists of blood vessels responsible for supplying oxygen and nutrients to the tooth. Deep cavities and dental trauma can damage the pulp, causing inflammation, infection, and sometimes a tooth abscess. In these cases, a regular dental filling usually isn’t enough to restore the tooth, and we often recommend root canals.

Root canal treatment involves removing the affected pulp, cleaning the root canal, and sealing the tooth.

A root canal is an extremely common, straightforward, and effective dental procedure. When done in time, it can often help save a natural tooth and prevent the need for a dental implant.

When To See a Root Canal Dentist

You may need a root canal if:

• You experience severe dental pain, especially when eating or brushing your teeth
• You see a visible chip, crack, or cavity in your tooth
• The gum area around the affected tooth is tender or swollen
• You suffer from extreme heat or cold sensitivity in the affected tooth

Root canals require quick action to resolve the infection and save the tooth. To find out whether you need a root canal, schedule an appointment at Boca Dental as soon as possible.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure

An endodontist, a special dentist for root canal procedures, will perform the treatment. During the procedure, the dentist will remove the infected pulp and thoroughly clean and disinfect the pulp chamber. After that, the dentist will fill up the cavity with a biocompatible material and seal the tooth.

Root canals typically involve local anesthesia and sometimes nitrous oxide to keep the patient comfortable. An endodontist will complete a typical root canal procedure in a single session that lasts under an hour. However, root canals may take longer in teeth with multiple canals, like molars.

A root canal manages to save a damaged tooth in about 90% of cases. If a complication occurs or your dentist estimates that the root canal has a poor chance of success, there may be no choice but to extract the tooth.

The cost of root canals varies, but a typical root canal is much more affordable than the alternatives, like a dental implant.

What To Expect After a Root Canal

After a root canal treatment, most patients can drive home on their own and resume their usual routine. You may experience temporary pain and discomfort as the numbing agent wears off.

In the initial days after your root canal procedure, you should:

• Keep the area clean with gentle brushing and flossing
• Use a warm saltwater rinse or antiseptic mouthwash
• Choose soft or liquid foods like soups and smoothies
• Avoid putting pressure on the tooth until you get your permanent restoration

Within a few weeks of the root canal therapy, you’ll come in for another appointment to have your permanent restoration (like an onlay or a crown) placed, allowing you to use your tooth normally again.

Routine Dental Care After Root Canals

While root canals are often the only way to rescue a severely damaged tooth, they can compromise tooth structure. A tooth that underwent a root canal treatment will always be more susceptible to infection, fractures, and other types of damage.

To keep your teeth in the best possible shape after a root canal, you should:

• Commit to a proper oral care routine, which includes brushing and flossing daily and regularly using an antiseptic mouthwash
• Make sure you show up for your post-root canal checkup, even if your tooth feels fine
• Come in for a checkup and teeth cleaning every six months
• Avoid extra-hard and sticky foods

Do You Think You May Need a Root Canal? Schedule a Consultation at Boca Dental

Are you suffering from sharp, severe tooth pain? Have you noticed tenderness, swelling, and other signs of infection around the affected area? Patients with these symptoms often require quick root canals to save an infected tooth.

Contact us online or call (561) 391-6606 to schedule an emergency appointment at Boca Dental.