Root Canals

Root Canals

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Tooth pain can be excruciating, and it can be mentally taxing when you can’t identify the source of the pain, or worse, there is nothing that you can do to alleviate it.

Sometimes, the inner part of the tooth becomes infected, and the pain can range from mild to severe, especially when eating, brushing, flossing, or otherwise putting pressure on the area.

The skilled team at Elevate Smiles Dental in Tampa, FL, is proud to serve the local community with quality dental care services, including professional root canal treatments so that you can live your life pain-free and confident in your oral care.

The Reality of Root Canals

Let’s talk about the big, bad “R” word: root canals. We know it sounds scary. But the truth is, root canals have come a long way, and modern dentistry has turned this once-dreaded procedure into a routine treatment.

Let’s shed some light on this often-misunderstood dental procedure and why it might be just the thing your teeth need.

The inside of your tooth is like a highway network of canals that connect nerves and blood vessels. The inner part of your tooth is called the “pulp,” which is the very thing keeping the tooth alive.

When bacteria find a way to sneak in and eat away at the pulp, it causes an infection and can lead to a lot of trouble if left untreated.

Root Canal 101: What Should I Expect?

Root canals get a bad rap, but they’re actually a pretty straightforward procedure. Here’s the lowdown:

• The Procedure: Our dentist will numb the area, create a small opening in your tooth, remove the infected pulp, clean and disinfect the canals, and then seal them up. We will place a crown over the top of the tooth to seal everything in, preventing further cracks or bacteria from seeping in.
• Pain Relief: We are equipped with state-of-the-art solutions and use advanced techniques and anesthetics to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
• Recovery Time: Most of our patients experience minimal discomfort after a root canal, and pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Depending on how much of the pulp needs to be removed, the pain can be mitigated and managed well.

Do I Need an Extraction?

If we are all honest with ourselves, absolutely no one wants to lose a tooth. We have many advances in modern medicine and dentistry, but nothing beats saving as much of your original tooth as possible. The human body still grows better teeth than we can make (for now!)

A root canal is often a lifesaver for your natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction and allowing you to keep your smile intact. Plus, it can help prevent potential complications like bone loss and shifting teeth.

The Importance of Post-Root Canal Care

While root canals are highly successful, proper aftercare is necessary for the long-term health of your treated tooth and the surrounding area.

Some of our recommendations include:

• Regular Dental Checkups: Continue to visit our team for regular checkups and cleanings to monitor the treated tooth and prevent future complications.
• Good Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash when needed. An oral rinse may also be necessary if you’re experiencing dry tongue or mouth after your routine.
• Avoiding Excessive Force: Avoid biting down on hard objects or using the treated tooth to open packages or bottles. If need be, stick to a softer diet for a short time after the procedure and reintroduce certain foods slowly when you feel that the pain has subsided.

Clearing up Root Canal Myths

We want to shed some light on some common myths regarding root canal procedures. One common misconception is that they are extremely painful due to their perceived invasive nature.

Modern dentistry and anesthesia make the procedure virtually painless. Root canals are one of the most successful dental procedures, with a high success rate. When visiting a trusted clinic, such as the trained team at Elevate Smiles Dental in Tampa, FL, you will experience minimal discomfort after the procedure.

You should never ignore moderate to severe oral pain or pain that lasts more than a few days. Ignoring a toothache can lead to more severe problems, including infection and the need for more extensive and invasive treatment.

Your Local Quality Dental Care Experts

We understand that a root canal may not sound like the most glamorous procedure, but we can assure you that it is highly routine, and you and your oral health will be happier for it.

Root canals are not the daunting obstacle that they’ve come to be associated with, and we can ensure that you will experience a pain-free environment at our clinic.

Our team looks forward to helping you achieve your smile goals in a welcoming environment.

During your next appointment with the professional team at Elevate Smiles Dental in Tampa, FL, you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care and guidance that you and your family deserve.