Root Canal

Root Canals Rock Endodontics welcomes all patients planning on getting a root canal in St. Petersburg, FL. We’re committed to personalizing a treatment plan to relieve pain and revive your smile.  

What Is a Root Canal?

Bacteria can infect your tooth due to a cavity, injury, or crack in the tooth enamel. A root canal is a procedure done to treat, repair, and save the infected or diseased tooth. A general dentist or dental specialist called an endodontist carries out the treatment. Treatment entails removing the infected pulp to eliminate bacteria and cleaning and sealing the tooth to prevent further infection.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

Modern technology and anesthetics enable your endodontist in St. Petersburg to provide a, practically, pain-free experience. Mild discomfort is common, similar to getting a dental filling. Temporary discomfort following treatment includes mild pain, soreness, or numbness. These should go away within 24 hours.

Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is usually recommended where there is an advanced infection or pulp damage. The cause is often a fragile enamel or deep cavity. By then, you might be experiencing one or more of these symptoms:

• Ongoing toothache
• Pimple on your gum or tooth abscess
• Swelling and tenderness of the gum around the tooth
• Dark or gray tooth discoloration
• Funny taste caused by pus draining from an abscess
• Severe pain when chewing or biting  
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or liquids

Root Canal Diagnosis

Before beginning treatment, your endodontist will ask about your symptoms and take dental X-rays to view the affected tooth. They will also assess the current state of the tooth pulp to decide if to perform the procedure.

How Dr. Jacqueline Vineyard Performs a Root Canal

The main steps of the procedure are removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canal, filling the tooth, and finishing with a crown or permanent filling. Patients with dental anxiety may receive dental sedation treatment ahead of the procedure.

• Preparing the tooth – Your endodontist in St. Petersburg will numb your tooth and gums to keep you comfortable. The dentist will place a piece of flexible rubber over the tooth and gum to keep the area dry.
• Removing the infected pulp – After drilling a tiny hole in the tooth crown, they will access and remove the infected tissue. Not to worry. The tooth can function just fine without the pulp.
• Cleaning the root canal – Next is cleaning and disinfecting the affected canals inside the tooth root.
• Filling the tooth -The endodontist will then fill the space within the pulp chamber and root canals. Your tooth is then sealed with a temporary dental filling to keep bacteria away.
• Crowning or permanent filling -Your dental professional will cover the tooth with a new crown customized to match the rest of your teeth. A crown provides ultimate protection against further infection.

Most patients can return to normal daily activities directly following a root canal. That is according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).

Treatment Benefits and Risks

A root canal is a permanent way to keep your natural tooth and protect your smile. The new crown will look, feel, and function like the original one. It restores your bite and provides a strong barrier against bacterial infection. Getting the procedure done early also avoids the need for expensive restorations, such as a dental bridge or implant. With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, your tooth can last your lifetime.

In some cases, reinfection or root canal failure can arise. Speak to your dentist right away if pain and other symptoms return. Overall, the benefits of a root canal outweigh the risks.

Visit Root Canals Rock Endodontics for a Comfortable Experience

Make us your home for all your endodontic solutions and smile protection services. Your endodontist in St. Petersburg, Florida, will utilize cutting-edge technology to diagnose, plan, and provide the best treatment results.