The first goal of every dentist is to save your teeth, even in the event of decay and damage. Extraction is always the last option, and root canal therapy is the last stand of defense against that eventuality. While popular culture has rendered root canal therapy the boogieman of dental medicine, the truth fo the matter is it’s more of a saving grace. Contrary to popular belief, the procedure isn’t painful. It’s often the best way to relieve pain associated with decay and infection of your teeth. Dentistry of Miami is proud to offer this service to our patients as a way of restoring their beautiful smiles and preserving their natural teeth.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Under the enamel and dentin of your teeth lay the pulp, a gelatinous substance that provides sensation, blood, and nutrients to your living tooth. Your pulp is set within the interior of your tooth. This includes the tiny canals that travel down the roots of your teeth into your gum. These canals, as you might imagine, are known as root canals. Root canal therapy is the treatment that is done when this pulp becomes damaged or infected and can save your tooth when it otherwise might need to be extracted.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
During your Root Canal Therapy or RCT, your dentist will carefully clean the area surrounding the tooth to be treated. After eliminating debris and build-up, they’ll begin removing decay from your tooth. Once this step is finished, your dentist will open your tooth to gain access to the infected pulp and will begin removing it through the use of a drill and careful patience. Before the procedure begins, you will be anesthetized but will remain conscious throughout. Once the infected pulp is removed and the tooth inspected for any remaining or hidden canals, your tooth will be cleaned out carefully and filled with a material known as gutta-percha.
What Happens After Root Canal Therapy?
An impression of your treated tooth will be taken and a temporary crown put in place to protect the restored tooth. This crown will stay in place until your permanent crown is completed, after which you’ll return to the dentist to have it fixed in place. Once this process is completed, your tooth will be ‘good as new’ and will not need further treatment. During your next regular visit, your dentist will inspect the RCT location to ensure that the treatment was successful. All that’s needed is to maintain a normal routine of dental hygiene, including brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
If you’ve been experiencing dental pain you think may benefit from root canal therapy, it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dentistry of Miami. After calling 305-922-6268, you’ll speak to our friendly staff, who will schedule you for an appointment with Dr. Eduardo Solorzano or Dr. Randy L. Furshman. Your first visit paperwork can be printed out and finished before you arrive, and brought with you to 7800 SW 87th Ave Suite A-140 in Miami, Florida. Don’t let dental pain make you suffer unnecessarily, contact our office today!