Root canal & endodontics in Florida

What Are Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed?

Usually, diseased tooth pulp can’t repair itself, and it often causes you to experience a number of painful symptoms. It’s important to pay attention to these warning signs because failing to get treatment can lead to tooth loss. We list some of the most common symptoms below, but keep in mind that these symptoms can also point to other dental issues. That’s why it’s vital to contact our office right away if you experience one or more of the warning signs.

• Persistent tooth pain that is mild to severe
• Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures, even after the cold or hot source is removed
• Pain when you bite into something
• Pain while chewing
• Swollen, red gums
• Blister-like bubble on your gum near the painful tooth
• Discolored tooth
• Sensitivity to touch or pressure
• Pain that wakes you up from sleeping

Is There a Dentist for Root Canals?

If you’re experiencing tooth pain and you’re concerned that you may have an infection, call our office today. We can connect you with a skilled root canal dentist who can best care for you. In many cases, general dentists are qualified to handle simple root canals. If your procedure is expected to require extra expertise or involve complications, you may be referred to a specialist called an endodontist. An endodontist is trained to treat diseases and dysfunctions of the inner tooth. They also treat traumatic tooth injuries and are qualified to place dental implant posts into the jawbone.

What Does a Root Canal Procedure Include?

A typical procedure involves the following steps:

1. X-rays are taken so your dentist can examine the tooth and jawbone carefully.
2. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth.
3. A rubber shield is stretched around the tooth to isolate it and maintain a clean area around the tooth.
4. Your dentist uses a small drill and other instruments to create a small hole in the crown of the tooth.
5. Through this opening, your dentist accesses the pulp chamber to remove the infected pulp.
6. Your dentist uses small instruments to clean out and prepare the tooth’s root canals.
7. Root canals are then flushed with a disinfecting fluid to remove any lingering bacteria.
8. A rubber-like, biocompatible material is placed in the empty canals to fill and seal them.
9. A crown is placed on the cap of the tooth. This root canal crown protects the tooth, provides stability, and prevents cracks and fractures.

From start to finish, the procedure usually takes one to two hours. Your mouth may still be numb for a few hours after the procedure so follow your dentist’s instructions about eating and drinking when you leave our office.

What Is My Expected Root Canal Cost?

Every patient’s needs are different, and your total cost will be based on your specific condition. For instance, you may need to undergo other treatments to prepare your tooth for root canals. These other treatments will affect your final cost, as will the type of tooth being repaired. Since front teeth have only one root and molars have four roots, it usually costs less to have a front tooth repaired than a molar. We’ll also factor in other issues, such as whether your treatment is provided by a general dentist or an endodontist and whether you have insurance coverage. We’re happy to provide you with a more clear-cut estimate once you’ve been evaluated by one of our dentists.

Are Root Canals All the Same?

Root canals can be successfully performed on any tooth, although molars are most frequently repaired and saved in this manner. There are also several alternatives to this standard endodontic procedure, including apicoectomy and pediatric pulpotomy. An apicoectomy is used when a previous dental root canal has been unsuccessful. In this procedure, the dentist removes the tip of the tooth root to eliminate lingering diseased tissue. For kids, a pediatric pulpotomy removes the infected pulp tissue but keeps the nerves in place.

Is It Difficult to Schedule a Root Canal in Sarasota?

The first step to finding pain relief for your infected tooth is making a phone call to our office. We’ll schedule you for an evaluation with our skilled dentists, who can develop your individualized dental root canal treatment plan. We’ll do everything in our power to make you comfortable while you’re here, whether you’re in the waiting room or in the middle of root canal therapy. Call us today.