Root canal & endodontics in Pinellas Park
What Is the Meaning of Root Canals or Root Canal Treatment?
Many types of tooth pain are easily treatable without having to go too far beyond the surface of your tooth enamel. A very small cavity might not cause any pain at all, or you might feel a short burst of discomfort that goes away soon after a cold bite of food leaves your mouth. Sadly, some types of dental issues don't go away so easily. When dental pulp gets inflamed or infected for a variety of different reasons, it can cause steady, severe pain that is only treatable with root canals. Removing the injured pulp is what root canals are all about, and dentists only recommend them when they are necessary for bringing you long-term comfort.
When Do Dentists Recommend Root Canals?
You might already suspect that you need major dental work if you've been coping with chronic tooth pain. A root canal dentist usually recommends this type of treatment when you are experiencing severe pain, especially if it keeps you up at night or is caused by a deep cavity or broken tooth. Sometimes, infections from the pulp work their way into the gums, which could cause swelling and the appearance of a boil. People with pulp inflammation also find it hard to eat without pain, and you might catch yourself trying to only chew on one side of your mouth to avoid a sudden shock of discomfort. When you visit our office presenting with these symptoms, our dentist will do a visual exam and imaging tests to look for signs of infection or irritation in the tooth and surrounding tissues.
Can Any Dentist Do Root Canals?
For many people, it simply feels more emotionally comfortable to visit a general dentist that you've been seeing for years. The good news is that general dentists are usually perfectly capable of performing successful root canals, which gives you more options for finding someone that puts you at ease. If you need a repeat procedure on the same tooth you had work done on before, then you might be referred to an endodontist. This type of dentist has undergone additional training regarding performing oral surgeries that involve the tooth root, and they'll be just as good at helping you to feel comfortable as your regular dental provider. If you're stuck on searching for a dentist, then call our office to find the perfect one to get you started on improving your comfort.
What Are the Primary Parts of a Root Canal Procedure?
As you might've guessed, root canals involve several critical steps that all help to prep your tooth and get it healthy again. Some of the following steps may be familiar, since they are commonly performed during other types of dental procedures. If you have a question about any part, then remember that we are always ready to give you the answers you need to proceed with confidence.
- Using numbing agents and anesthesia to keep you free from pain
- Clean and surround the tooth with a special shield to protect it during the procedure
- Make a hole through the biting surface of the tooth to reach the tooth root
- Remove the pulp and clean the canals before flushing them to remove leftover debris
- Use gutta-percha, a special rubbery material, to seal the hole and canals
- Top off the tooth with a root canal crown
Is There a Wide Range for the Root Canal Cost?
The cost for a dental root canal varies from one provider to another. Your dentist may also base the price on the location of the tooth that requires care. Molars contain four roots, which will cost more to clean out compared to a front tooth with one. Most dental insurance providers cover at least part of the cost for your care. We'll work with you to make sure that you have the financing you need to get your painful tooth fixed.
Are There Different Types of Root Canals?
An apicoectomy is a special type of oral surgery that functions like a root canal, but the tip of the root is removed to provide long-term pain relief for repeated root canals. Pediatric pulpotomies are another type that leaves the nerve in place while still removing all of the tooth pulp. While most people get standard root canals, it helps to know about these special kinds in case your dentist recommends them for handling your personal needs.
How Do You Start Planning for Dental Root Canal Treatment?
If you're the type that likes to have a plan, then you'll love knowing that getting a root canal in Pinellas Park is a straightforward process. All you need to do to get started on making plans is contact our office for your first appointment. We'll take it all from there by making sure that you are comfortable in our chair and understand each part of your recommended treatment plan.
