Root Canals From the Gentle Endodontists at Florida Dental Centers in Largo, FL

Root canals are dental procedures performed by the endodontists at Florida Dental Centers in Largo, Florida, to save natural teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted. This type of treatment is usually necessary when the soft pulp of a tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, becomes inflamed or infected. Because a fully formed tooth no longer needs its pulp to function properly, root canals can be very beneficial for saving teeth. While the mere mention of root canal therapy often instills a sense of dread in people, many patients who have undergone root canals have reported experiencing no more discomfort than that typically associated with getting a regular filling.

A tooth pulp can become damaged in many ways. Some of the more common reasons that the endodontists at Florida Dental Centers in Largo, FL, perform root canals include:

• Deep cavities – Tooth decay can sometimes extend into the pulp and infect it with bacteria, which can cause the nerve to become inflamed or die.
• Trauma – In situations where a tooth fracture reaches the pulp or doesn’t leave enough tooth structure above the gum line to allow for the placement of a crown, root canals might be recommended. Following a root canal procedure, a post can sometimes be placed in the tooth canal to help anchor a restoration.
• Multiple dental procedures on a single tooth – Repeated drilling can stress a tooth and cause the pulp to become inflamed, which may or may not be reversible.
• Resorption – The tooth structure can sometimes disintegrate as a result of injury. Additionally, some root canals are necessitated by aggressive tooth movement that occurs during orthodontic treatments.

A toothache is the most common indication of the need for a root canal procedure. Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold, pain while chewing, and spontaneous pain that sometimes progresses to a headache can all be indicative of an abscessed tooth. Because these symptoms usually don’t manifest until a problem progresses to an advanced stage, it’s important to see a dentist regularly; at the first sign of pain, sensitivity, or swelling; and when a tooth breaks, cracks, or chips.

To learn more about root canals, or to schedule an appointment at our office in Largo, FL, please contact Florida Dental Centers today.