Dental Services Restorative Dentistry Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal in Coral Gables, FL

Relieve Pain & Save Your Tooth

The words, Root Canal, often have the erroneous pairing with thoughts of pain. The Root Canal procedure does not cause pain, but in actuality, relieves it. At University Dental Group, we can relieve the pain of infection and restore your natural tooth structure to health. Known to dentists as Endodontic therapy, Root Canals are performed to save a tooth when the inside portion, known as the pulp, of the tooth has become infected. Without a root canal, the tooth would require extraction and then you’re looking at costly tooth restorations like bridges and dental implants.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat a severely infected or decayed tooth. During a root canal, your dentist, Dr. Garcia or Dr. Morales, removes the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) to alleviate pain and prevent further infection. The procedure involves cleaning, disinfecting, and shaping the root canal system inside the tooth before filling it with a biocompatible material to seal it off. Finally, the tooth is typically restored with a crown or filling to strengthen and protect it. Root canals effectively save natural teeth that would otherwise require extraction due to infection or damage.

How Did My Tooth Become Infected?

A tooth becomes infected when passage allows bacteria to enter. Passage for bacteria can occur due to many reasons, the tooth may have cracks or fractures, a deep cavity, previous dental work, crowns, impact trauma, or wear due to grinding or clenching, known as Bruxism.

Why Do I Not Want to Ignore Tooth Pain?

Our lives are busy, and adults are known to put their needs on the back burner. Ignoring tooth pain is something many adults will try to do until the pain becomes unbearable. We don’t want you to do that for multiple reasons including:

Pain is an indicator of infection
Pain from a tooth will never just “go away” your teeth can not heal infection on their own
The infection causes damage, this damage may not be limited to one spot, it can spread, affecting neighboring teeth and/or bone
A tooth can needlessly die and then need to be extracted, it is always better to keep your natural teeth when you can

The Benefits

The purpose of a root canal is to preserve your tooth and eradicate pain and infection, restoring your oral health.

Pain Relief: Root canals are performed to alleviate severe tooth pain caused by infection or inflammation of the tooth pulp. By removing the infected tissue and cleaning the root canal system, the procedure eliminates the source of pain.
Preservation of Natural Tooth: Treatment allows for the preservation of a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted due to infection or damage. Retaining natural teeth is beneficial for maintaining proper chewing function, jawbone health, and overall oral health.
Prevention of Further Infection: It removes bacteria and infected tissue from inside the tooth, preventing the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and other teeth. This helps prevent the development of abscesses, gum disease, and systemic health problems associated with untreated dental infections.
Restoration of Function and Appearance: Following a root canal, the tooth can be restored with a dental crown or filling, restoring its strength, function, and appearance. This allows patients to chew, bite, and speak comfortably, and the restored tooth blends seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Long-Term Solution: When performed properly and with appropriate follow-up care, root canal treatment can provide a long-term solution for saving a tooth and maintaining oral health. With routine dental care and good oral hygiene practices, a tooth treated with a root canal can last a lifetime.

Root Canal Therapy Procedure

The Root Canal procedure begins with numbing the area to increase your comfort and reduce any pain. One of our dentists, Dr. Morales or Dr. Garcia will then need to drill into the tooth to gain access to the pulp. The pulp of your tooth was necessary for development, but once the tooth is fully grown it receives nourishment from the surrounding tissues. For a root canal procedure, it is necessary to remove the pulp, which is the nerve, blood vessels, and some connective tissue, along with removing the pulp, any infected debris or bacteria is removed, eliminating the infection. The now-empty space is cleaned and filled with a medicated rubber material. The tooth’s surface is repaired with bonding material and, depending on the location of the tooth, a dental crown may be suggested to provide additional strength to the tooth.

At University Dental Group, we feel that having a root canal procedure done on a tooth is the treatment of choice in order to save a tooth that otherwise would die and then need to be removed. Saving your natural teeth is best for long-term results.

It is important to note, that while root canal therapy has a high degree of success, it is not 100% guaranteed. In most situations, it is important to have a permanent restoration, like a dental crown, placed within 30 days of the root canal. If a permanent restoration is not placed, the tooth can fracture or further decay to the point where the root canal must be re-done or, worse, the tooth must be removed.

Your Coral Gables dentists want the best for your oral health, and restoring your natural teeth has the best long-term advantages.

At times the tooth requiring treatment has a complex root or the infection is such that it needs a specialist, called an endodontist, to examine and complete root canal therapy. Dr. Morales or Dr. Garcia will work closely with our endodontic specialist to review your treatment case, send necessary records to their office, and place the crown after your root canal is completed. Our office staff will help coordinate your appointments and help you understand your financial responsibility.

What are some signs I may need a root canal?

Some common signs that you may need a root canal include severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling or tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth, and discoloration of the tooth. Additionally, if you notice a pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth, it could indicate an abscess, often requiring root canal treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to call your dentist in Coral Gables for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Will I feel any discomfort during the procedure?

While root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and surrounding tissues, some patients may still experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure. However, any discomfort is usually minimal and temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers following the procedure. If you experience severe pain or discomfort during the procedure, don’t hesitate to communicate with your dentist or endodontist, who can adjust the anesthesia or provide additional measures to ensure your comfort.

How do I prepare for the treatment?

Before undergoing a root canal, Dr. Morales or Dr. Garcia will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. In general, you may be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the appointment, especially if you’ll be receiving sedation. It’s essential to inform your dentist about any medications you’re taking and any medical conditions or allergies you have. Arranging for transportation home, especially if sedation will be used, is also recommended.

How long will the procedure take?

The duration of a root canal procedure depends on various factors, including the affected tooth’s location and complexity, the infection’s severity, and any complications encountered during treatment. In general, a root canal treatment typically takes one to two hours to complete. However, complex cases or those requiring multiple root canals may take longer. Your dentist will provide you with an estimate of how long your specific procedure is expected to take during your initial consultation.

Can kids get root canals?

Children and adolescents can undergo root canal treatment if they have severely infected or damaged teeth. Our children’s dentists may recommend root canal therapy for children to save a primary (baby) tooth with extensive decay or trauma. Additionally, root canal treatment may be necessary for permanent teeth in children and teenagers affected by deep cavities, dental infections, or traumatic injuries. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure the child’s comfort and can help preserve the affected tooth’s function and development.

How long will recovery take?

Recovery from a root canal procedure is usually relatively quick, with many patients able to resume normal activities immediately afterward. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth and surrounding tissues for a few days following the procedure, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s essential to follow any post-operative instructions, such as avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored and practicing good oral hygiene to aid in the healing process. Contact us for further evaluation if you experience persistent or severe pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms.