Root Canal Port St Lucie FL

There are a few reasons why you might need a root canal. The most common reason is that you have a large cavity that has reached the nerve of your tooth. Other reasons include:

• You have had an injury to your tooth
• Your tooth has become cracked or chipped
• You have developed an abscess (a pus-filled pocket) in your gums from the pulp chamber or infected pulp or deep decay
• You have a diseased tooth
• Repeated dental procedures
• A deep cavity or fillings that have loosened resulting in pulp infection

• Severe toothache pain when pressure is applied to the tooth
• Prolonged sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures even after the stimulus has been removed
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• A small bump on the gum line next to the affected tooth
• Infected dental pulp or inflamed pulp

During a root canal treatment, your Port St. Lucie dentist or endodontist will numb your tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia. Once you are numbed, they will access the inside of your tooth by making a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the pulp inside. Next, they will carefully remove the damaged nerve tissue, dental pulp, and any bacteria that may be present.

Once your tooth is cleaned out, it will be sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. In some cases, a dental crown may also be placed on your tooth to help protect it from further damage. This enables your tooth to continue to function like any other tooth with very little risk of root canal complications.

The nerve cells in the teeth begin breaking down when bacterial growth occurs within the infected pulp chamber filled with nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Bacteroids and decaying debris can be a cause of recurrence and abscesses in teeth.

Abscesses form in the roots of teeth where the pus fills the cavity and infection spreads over the root surface.  Infections in teeth may also result in bone loss around the root and may require a more complex root canal procedure.

If you already suspect you need a root canal, the short answer is probably not. The best way to avoid needing a root canal is through proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. It’s important to brush and floss twice a day and visit your dentist for cleanings and exams every six months.

There are many benefits of getting a root canal treatment over extracting (pulling) the tooth. These benefits include:

• Your natural tooth will be preserved which helps to maintain chewing function and keeps your teeth aligned correctly

• It will eliminate tooth pain caused by an infection

• It will help prevent future infections

• It is typically less expensive than having an artificial tooth implanted

Root canals may have a reputation for being painful, but with modern technology and anesthesia, the procedure is typically no more painful than having a filling placed and usually only cause a mild discomfort. Many people actually report that their pain is relieved after the root canal as it removes the infection and treats the source of discomfort.

With proper care, root canals can last a lifetime. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

In some cases, root canals may require two visits. This is because the root canal procedure itself can be lengthy, so your dentist may choose to split it into two appointments for your comfort.

In addition, if there is an infection present, your dentist may use a temporary filling, prescribe antibiotics and schedule a second appointment once the infection has cleared and add a permanent filling.

Root canal costs vary by the severity of the problem and the tooth being impacted. In many dental insurances, endodontic treatment can be covered. The cost for a typical root canal by a dentist may run between $500-$1000 for an incisor and between $300-$800 for molars. Endodontists can charge a maximum of 50 percent more.