Root Canal in Clermont, Florida

According to the American Dental Association, 15 million root canals are performed annually. This equals 41,000 root canal procedures every single day. A root canal is probably not at the top of everyone's list of "Best Things To Do That are Fun," however, with all of the latest and greatest advances in technology, root canal treatments have fast become more like receiving a routine filling.

Knowing the number one reason why people choose to have a root canal settles any argument about its existence. Simply put, a root canal is used as a last resort to save the tooth from extraction. Under this circumstance, a root canal becomes more of a blessing rather than a curse. And, the good news is, root canals are generally about 90% successful. We are fortunate that an effective way exists to save our teeth.

 

How do you Know if you Need a Root Canal?

There are many reasons why a root canal is recommended to save a tooth:

  • severe tooth decay
  • multiple procedures on the same tooth
  • defective tooth crown
  • broken, cracked or chipped tooth
  • injury to a tooth that causes pulp damage
  • inflammation or infection of the tooth pulp
  • tooth abscess
 

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal procedure comprises the removal of both the infected tooth nerve and the tooth pulp. A root canal treatment, also known as an endodontic treatment, includes the cleansing of the tooth, followed by the tooth being sealed. The result is the successful restoration of a natural tooth, which can save a patient a lot of money from having to get a tooth implant or the embarrassment of having a missing tooth. A standard root canal procedure also includes the following steps:

X-ray - to show what and where the problem area of the infected tooth is and the source of the inflammation or infection.

Anesthesia - a local anesthesia is administered as a comfort measure before any procedure on an infected tooth.

Dam is placed - this is to isolate the tooth and to keep the tooth clean and free of saliva.

Pulpectomy - the diseased portion of the tooth pulp is removed.

Filling - the portion of the tooth that was removed is filled with a rubber-type material called gutta-percha.

Sealing - for a variety of reasons, a tooth, following the removal of its natural pulp, can become more brittle. To avoid this, a crown or filling is placed as protection.

 

Are Root Canals Painful?

So many advances have been made in the dental industry in the last few decades, that pain during root canal treatments is no longer a consideration like it was in the past. There are several choices available for comfort during any root canal treatment:

Topical anesthetic - this type of anesthesia, often referred to as numbing gel or jelly, is used to numb certain areas of the gums, or cheek to eliminate pain before all root canals.

Local anesthetic - often used in the procedure of filling a cavity, this local anesthetic is also used to deactivate nerves in the area where the dental procedure is to be performed.

Nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas, this type of anesthesia is breathed in before and during a root canal treatment. Many patients fall asleep during the procedure while using nitrous oxide. Nitrous Oxide works rapidly with no after effects.

Prescription medications - anti-anxiety medications are also available for those who find themselves anxious about having a root canal. This medication is usually taken at home shortly before the procedure.

 

How Long Does it Take to Get a Root Canal?

The time it takes for a full root canal treatment varies, depending on the complexity of the tooth issue, as well as the location of the tooth. Typically front teeth do not take as long as back teeth. A standard root canal takes between 30 to 60 minutes. A more complex tooth issue can take up to 90 minutes.

 

Why do Root Canals Take Two Visits?

Most patients must plan on a root canal requiring two 90-minute dental visits. The first visit is to perform the root canal on the infected tooth, including the pulpectomy and temporary filling. The second visit is for the purpose of sealing the tooth for protection and restoration of your natural tooth.

Contact Smile 4 Me Dental today, at (352) 243-9930, and let us help you with all your dental needs, including showing you all the latest we have to offer to make sure the root canal treatment you might need is affordable, comfortable and comes with results that you 'll be proud of for the rest of your life.