You have probably heard of root canals but do you know what the procedure entails? The term “root canal” is enough to send most people running and screaming in the opposite direction. Fear not because modern dentistry now provides a much different experience for patients.
If you have ever experienced the kind of pain one can have when needing root canal therapy, you will understand how important it is to get immediate, considerate and expert care to diagnose and eliminate the problem. If treatment is ignored, a patient may experience intense pain, swelling, throbbing, an unpleasant odor and taste, headaches, an sleeplessness.
Many patients are unaware that they have a tooth infection because the infections are not always painful.
The problem with teeth and infections is that once a tooth’s nerve tissue has started to degenerate and bacteria have taken up residence in the tooth’s nerve area, there is no effective way for white blood cells to get at the bacteria to combat them.
When the “pulp” of your tooth, or center containing the nerve, is diseased, this tissue starts to die, and can cause infection. You are at risk to lose the tooth if this diseased nerve and pulp is not treated promptly. The diseased pulp is removed and the cavity cleaned out and then sealed to protect it. A crown is then placed over the tooth to further protect it. This also strengthens the tooth. You can have a tooth that is not only pain free, but almost better than new.
During Root Canal Therapy, the tooth is “numbed” just like having a filling. Then the unhealthy nerve is removed and medication is placed in the tooth to treat the bacterial abscess (infection). After the infection is removed and treated, a filling is placed in the roots where the unhealthy nerve was.
A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy is more brittle and must be crowned to give the tooth sufficient strength. The tooth is cared for in the same way as other natural teeth brushed and flossed daily.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Dr. Sonia Rocha of Tower Dental in Bonita Springs and Naples is one of the most experienced and caring dentists in Southwest Florida. Dr. Rocha and her office team will see that you get the care you need on an individual basis catering to your dental needs. Tower Dental Arts is a state of the art dental facility that provides superior dental care for you and your family members. Having a root canal when necessary can save your tooth and your smile!
Dr. Sonia Rocha
Naples: 239-566-9700
11121 Health Park Blvd.. Suite 200
Bonita Springs: 239-495-7400
27400 Riverview Center Blvd., Suite 8