When is a Root Canal Needed?
There are a few different reasons why a root canal might be necessary. One of the most common reasons is when a cavity is left untreated and spreads to the center of the tooth, known as the pulp. This can also occur with a cracked or chipped tooth. The pulp connects to the blood vessels, nerves, and other connective tissue that not only connects with the rest of the body but keeps the tooth alive. Once the infection reaches the pulp, it can spread throughout your body without treatment and also cause the tooth to die and potentially fall out. To prevent these circumstances from occurring, a root canal becomes necessary.
To find out if you need a root canal, Dr. Escoto or Dr. Mantovani will examine your mouth and take dental x-rays.
Here are a few signs you need a root canal:
- Persistent pain
- Temperature sensitivity
- Pain when eating or touching a tooth
- Swollen gums
- Tooth discoloration
- Loose feeling teeth
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Abscess on the gum line or tooth root
If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact our root canal dentists in Miami Beach for a consultation and treatment.
Procedure
To help you feel as comfortable as possible during your procedure, we will first recommend sedation dentistry, especially if you experience dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel comfortable and relaxed throughout their entire treatment. If you do opt for sedation dentistry, make sure to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment.
After the sedation dentistry takes effect, Dr. Escoto or Dr. Mantovani will numb up your mouth so you don’t feel anything. They will then drill a small hole in your tooth and then use a special dental instrument to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals followed by reshaping the space. They then fill the root canals with a biocompatible material and adhesive cement to seal off the root canals. The hole is then covered with a temporary filling which will later get replaced with a dental crown or restoration we recommend. The restoration will restore the strength, structure, and appearance to your tooth and help it stay healthy for many years to come.
Prevention
If you don’t want to experience a root canal in your life, there are a few steps you can take to prevent the need for a root canal in the first place.
- Floss at least once per day
- Brush at least twice per day
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- Visit us for dental cleanings and exams every six months
- Limit sugary, starchy foods
Get Root Canal Treatment in Miami Beach
If you think you might need a root canal, don’t wait around for your tooth to get worse. Contact our root canal dentists at SoBe Dentist today to find out if you need root canal therapy. Please call (305) 535-2225 to book an appointment at our Miami Beach dental office.