Are Root Canals Safe? Here Is A Guide on How Root Canal Treatment Is Done in Lakewood Ranch FL

If your dentist has advised you to undergo root canal treatment, don’t panic. A root canal is a standard dentistry practice that can treat toothaches and help you preserve your damaged tooth. As you learn more about this procedure, you will discover why it’s needed — and how it will leave you with better oral health than you had before.

Before undergoing root canal treatment in Lakewood Ranch, FL, Kind Smiles Dental Health has prepared answers to frequently asked questions to help you understand the procedure better.

What is a root canal?

Dentists use this standard procedure when the tooth is badly fractured or severely decayed, or infected. The process allows us to preserve your tooth and prevent pain from worsening over time if left untreated. In addition, where the infection is involved, an untreated root canal can lead to the infection spreading to other structures surrounding the teeth. In short, a root canal involves removing the severely infected tooth pulp to save the tooth and stop the infection from spreading.

Will I lose my tooth?

The answer to this question depends on the extent of damage or decay. If the tooth is partially decayed, the dentist will remove the damaged part and fill it with a dental filling or a dental crown. If your dentist can’t salvage the tooth, they will recommend removing and replacing it with an artificial tooth through the dental implant procedure, or in some cases, a bridge.

Is a root canal painful?

Most patients dread root canal treatment because of the popular misconception that the process is painful. Thanks to progress in dental technology, root canal treatment pain is similar to a dental filling. When treated before the infection is severe, the process is a much less painful procedure. After the process, you may experience sensitivity, but medications prescribed by your doctor will help manage it.

Additionally, your tooth might feel slightly different from the rest, but this should settle down after some time, varying from patient to patient. However, if you continue experiencing pain or pressure that lasts days, don’t shy away from informing your dentist to be seen for follow-up care.

How is the procedure done?

After proper diagnosis, your dentist numbs the affected tooth and makes a tiny hole on the chewing surface of your tooth or crown to access the pulp and root canal. Next, the infected tissue is removed using a series of small files or rotary instruments,  and the pulp chamber and root canals are disinfected up to the apex or end of the root. If there is more than one nerve per tooth, each root or root canal is treated until the infected tissue is removed from each canal.  The root canal(s) are then sealed with a biocompatible substance called a sealer to avoid reinfection to complete the procedure, and finally, the tooth is restored with a dental crown.

Where can I get root canal treatment?

In many cases, Dr. Konick can perform your root canal therapy in the office. However, in some circumstances, a referral to an endodontist will be made for more complex treatment.  Would you like to restore your badly decayed tooth with a root canal? Please contact (941) 251-6225 to book an appointment with Kind Smiles Dental Health and Dr. Allison Konick for evaluation. Our doctor uses modern diagnostics and treatment technology to ensure that root canal treatment is gentle, effective, and long-lasting.

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