Let a Root Canal Relieve Your Pain

A root canal can restore and stabilize a damaged tooth and ensure that your tooth’s natural structure remains intact and avoids extraction. Can a root canal help you? Find out more about root canals with Dr. Joseph Thomas, Dr. Maria Thomas, and Dr. Mariel Petruk in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

What is a root canal?

Known medically as endodontic therapy, a root canal is a dental procedure which focuses on removing the decayed or damaged tissues from within a tooth’s inner pulp chamber. Often, the issues treated by a root canal come from severe decay which eats through the tooth and reaches the soft tissues and nerves housed within. Dentists can treat less advanced decay with a simple dental filling. However, when the decay reaches the tooth’s inner tissues, it requires a root canal.

Do I need a root canal?

Some early signs of a root canal may go unnoticed if you are not aware of what to look for. However, awareness of the symptoms of tooth decay can help you spot your condition early to get help as soon as possible. Some early signs of tooth decay include:

• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Sharp pain while biting or chewing
• Persistent or intermittent pain throughout the day
• Unexplained bad breath
• A brown or black mark on the tooth
• A hole in the tooth

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should consult with your dentist as soon as possible. Though tooth decay grows slowly, early treatment can help you avoid serious dental complications.

What to Expect During a Root Canal

A root canal always begins with your dentist administering a local anesthetic to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort during your treatment. They will then create an access hole on top of the tooth and remove its decayed or damaged inner contents. They will then scrub the inside of the tooth to remove any remaining infection and ensure that no infected tissues remain behind. Then, they will fill the tooth to restore its natural structure and, often, cap it with a dental crown to protect it from future damage.

For more information on root canal therapy, please contact Dr. Joseph Thomas, Dr. Maria Thomas, and Dr. Mariel Petruk in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Call (954) 933-5937 to schedule your consultation for a root canal with your dentist today!