Root canal & endodontics in St. Augustine
Don't suffer with tooth pain for another day. Rot or injury can quickly kill your tooth if you don't see a root canal dentist immediately after realizing that something is wrong. A root canal procedure may help you to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. Here's what you need to know!
What Is a Dental Root Canal?
Millions of root canals are performed each year. In fact, this procedure is considered the best way to save a tooth after the pulp has become infected or exposed. Unfortunately, advanced tooth decay can result in tooth loss if it isn't treated properly. Referred to by dentists as an endodontic treatment, this is a common surgical procedure that removes infected or decayed pulp from your tooth to reduce symptoms, "arrest" decay, and potentially allow you to enjoy your natural tooth for the rest of your life.
Why Are Root Canals Needed?
Unfortunately, there's a point of no return with tooth pulp tissue once it's damaged or infected. The only way to save a tooth once the issue has become serious is through dental surgery. Here are the signs that a dental intervention is needed:
- Constant tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold. This usually manifests as searing pain whenever you sip or bite into drinks and foods. The bottom line is that enjoying a cup of soup or glass of iced tea shouldn't cause your tooth to hurt!
- Throbbing, stabbing tooth pain that's powerful enough to jostle you from sleep
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen gum tissue
- Deep, serious cavities
- Tooth discoloration
Don't forget that a damaged tooth can also cause headaches that might not feel directly connected to tooth pain. This could be a sign that an infection has reached the nerves in your dental tissue. The bottom line is that you should never ignore pain in the teeth, gums, or jaw.
Do All Dentists Do Root Canals?
Yes, general dentists perform root canals in their offices. In addition, endodontists are often brought in for complex root canals that involve either deeply affected teeth or second treatments. If you're looking for a dentist specializing in root canals, please call our office today to be connected with a skilled professional capable of providing you with a comprehensive evaluation.
What Are the Steps of a Dental Root Canal Treatment?
Root canals are performed during regular office hours at dental offices. Most procedures take one to two hours. Here's a step-by-step look at what happens during root canals:
- X-ray imaging is used to help your dentist evaluate your tooth.
- Don't worry about pain! Your tooth will be numbed with anesthetic prior to surgery.
- Once your tooth has been numbed, a small dental shield is placed over the tooth to isolate it from the rest of your mouth. This ensures a tidy, sanitary procedure.
- The most important part of the procedure is next. This is the step where the dentist opens the crown of the decaying tooth to access the pulp chamber. The dentist then meticulously cleans out the infected or decaying pulp using specialized instruments and disinfecting fluids. This is also the stage where the root canals are shaped to allow for a perfect fit for the root canal crown that will be fitted in the next step.
- In preparation for placing the crown, the dentist fills the canals with a rubber-like biomaterial.
- Finally, the newly cleaned tooth is capped with a custom crown that provides support and protection.
No downtime is needed following a root canal. The sealant will be fully dried in 20 to 60 minutes. However, your dentist might recommend that you wait until your anesthesia has fully worn off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
What Is the Root Canal Cost?
Root canals vary in price based on the location of the damaged tooth and the extent of the damage. Pricing is often based on the number or roots in a tooth. That's why molars and back teeth are often pricier than front teeth. If you're curious about how much you can expect to pay, our dentists are happy to provide you with a cost estimate following an in-person evaluation. Call today to schedule an appointment!
Are There Different Options for Root Canals?
Root canals are commonly used for restoring molars. However, there's a good chance that this restorative treatment may also be beneficial if you're trying to save a front tooth. Two common alternatives to root canals that are used in complex or specialty cases are the apicoectomy and pediatric pulpotomy. An apicoectomy is often recommended when the best course of action following a failed prior treatment is to remove the tip of a tooth's root. Pediatric pulpotomy is used exclusively for preserving badly damaged baby teeth.
Endodontics
In order to provide you with the most exceptional level of dental care, we sometimes collaborate with dental specialists such as periodontists and endodontists on your behalf. Through professional partnership and referrals we can ensure that you receive the appropriate treatment for all of your oral health concerns.
An endodontist is the dental specialist who performs root canals. With an advanced education in the study and treatment of the dental nerve, an endodontist has the knowledge and the specialized equipment to diagnose and treat the problems that are related to the nerve tissue inside of the teeth.
Book a Dental Root Canal Consultation
Root canals don't have to be intimidating once you find the right dental team! Taking action now is the best way to preserve your natural tooth following damage or decay. There's nothing healthy about a life with dental pain. Get relief from toothaches and sensitivity by booking your consultation for a root canal in St. Augustine today!