If you have a tooth that’s been damaged by infection or impact, you may have to choose whether to treat the problem with a root canal or dental implant. Find out what’s involved in determining which of these specialized procedures is right for you.
There are a number of reasons that you might be experiencing tooth pain. From a small cavity to deep decay in the root of the tooth, it can be difficult to determine what exactly is causing your pain and how to treat it. In some cases, better oral hygiene will take care of the issue. But for other more complex issues, you may need a root canal.
If you need a root canal, chances are that you may not be having any major physical symptoms until the problem is more advanced. By the time it escalates, you could have an infected tooth and a root canal is the best option to relieve you of your pain and ensure you don’t cause any additional health issues. Whether this is your first root canal or you’ve already got a few under your belt, the experienced dentists at SEDA Dental of North Miami Beach are well-versed when it comes to root canal therapy.
Read on for more information about what a root canal is, what can lead to the need for a root canal, and how the dentists at SEDA Dental of North Miami can make a root canal a fast and easy procedure to treat your infected tooth.
Root Canals 101
When the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the root canal of a tooth, dies, becomes inflamed, and goes untreated, it can cause your mouth to ache. In addition, you may experience pain when chewing or have swollen and discolored gums. These are all signs that you may have an abscessed tooth that needs immediate treatment. If not treated, the infection can spread to other teeth and cause increased pain.
The best way to treat this issue is with a root canal. A fairly straightforward treatment, during a root canal, the dentist carefully removes the damaged pulp inside the tooth, cleans and disinfects the empty chamber, and places a filling to seal the space.
Signs you might need a root canal
Pain. Pain is a primary indicator that something is wrong. If you need a root canal, it is extremely painful to put any pressure on the infected tooth. Seeing your dentist as soon as possible is important to address the pain. The dentist will examine your aching tooth to see there are signs of infection and how it should be treated.
Chipped or cracked tooth. You can chip or crack a tooth in a number of different ways. Eating hard or sticky foods. A sports injury. A fall. When a tooth is cracked or chipped, it can expose the nerves beneath the surface of the tooth and lead to an infection, which could create the need for a root canal.
Swollen gums. When your gums are red and inflamed, it’s usually a sign that there’s something going on under the surface.
Deep tooth decay. Unfortunately, no amount of brushing, flossing, or rinsing with mouth wash fix deep tooth decay if it has set in. If a cavity has been neglected for too long, it can spread into the nerve and the root of the tooth. That’s when a root canal is most likely the only option for repair.
Sensitivity. For men and women in North Miami Beach who are in complete pain every time your tooth comes into contact with either hot or cold food and drinks, it’s time to see the dentist. If it hurts to apply pressure on your tooth, and you are experiencing sensitivity that lasts without improvement, a root canal may be in order. Prolonged tooth sensitivity is typically the result of a damaged root, and these do not heal on their own.
Preventing the spread of infection
No one is thrilled to hear from their dentist that they need a root canal. But it is in fact, a very common dental therapy. In fact, most patients in North Miami Beach report that a root canal is no more painful than having a cavity filled. Thanks to advances in dental treatments, a root canal can be a quick and easy treatment. It’s most important to first find the cause of your pain and determine the best treatment to alleviate it. In the case of badly decayed or abscessed teeth, if not treated, the infection can spread to other teeth in the mouth.
How is a root canal treated
The goal of a root canal is to clear your tooth from the painful infection and hopefully save it in the process. The infection can elicit extreme pain and needs to be addressed immediately so that it does not spread to other teeth. For women and men in North Miami Beach who might need a root canal, it’s important to find a reputable dentist who can perform this treatment with a successful outcome. The dentists at SEDA Dental of North Miami Beach are experienced when it comes to root canals. They will first remove the nerve and inner pulp of the tooth, which is comprised of nerves and blood vessels. The empty chamber is sterilized and any leftover debris is completely removed. Then the inside of the tooth is filled and sealed, to protect it. For patients who have any type of anxiety about this treatment, SEDA Dental of North Miami Beach offers a sedation option to put you at ease during the procedure.
Recovery after a root canal
The dentists at SEDA of North Miami Beach routinely and expertly perform root canals, enabling patients to quickly resume normal daily activities once again, pain-free. After the treatment, some patients in North Miami Beach may experience some swelling or sensitivity in their mouth. This is normal and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s recommended to follow-up with your dentist approximately six months after treatment so that the dentists at SEDA Dental of North Miami Beach can make sure that the infection is gone and your mouth has healed properly.
Moving on from a root canal
In order to avoid a root canal treatment, it’s important to continue to maintain good oral health. That means proper daily brushing and flossing of your teeth. Also, be sure to schedule annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings with a dentist at SEDA Dental of North Miami Beach to maintain your long-term dental health. The good news for patients who have a root canal is that the treatment is very successful. In fact, it has a 95% success rate. The majority of treated teeth experience a lifetime of use.
It is the number one goal at SEDA Dental of North Miami Beach to make our patients feel at ease whether they need a root canal or just a simple cleaning and exam. If you are experiencing severe tooth pain that won’t go away or your gums are looking red and inflamed, we encourage you to call or schedule a consultation with SEDA Dental of North Miami Beach today to see if you are in need of a root canal or other type of dental treatment.
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