Root Canals

If you have a severe toothache, a root canal can stop the infection from spreading and prevent the need for an extraction. At Century Village Dental in Deerfield Beach, Florida, general and cosmetic dentist Robert Aron, DDS, and the team regularly perform root canals to treat damage to the tooth pulp. The process is quick, pain-free, and provides lasting results. To request a root canal consultation, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What are root canals?

A root canal removes the pulp from the center of your tooth. Your tooth pulp contains tissues, like nerves and blood vessels. It enables you to feel temperature sensations but isn’t necessary for a tooth’s long-term survival.

Removing the pulp from your tooth stops the infection from spreading, relieves the pain, and preserves your natural tooth.

When are root canals necessary?

At Century Village Dental, the team uses root canals to treat injured or inflamed tooth pulp and maintain the structure of your permanent teeth. You might experience tooth pulp damage because of:

• An untreated cavity
• Extensive dental work
• Oral trauma
• Chipped or cracked teeth

Contact the team immediately if you experience tooth sensitivity, swelling, or a sensation of heat in your gums. Intervention and treatment can prevent the problem from worsening.

What does getting a root canal involve?

At Century Village Dental, getting a root canal takes two appointments about a week apart.

Your provider reviews your dental records, completes an oral exam, and takes digital X-rays. If your X-rays show infected or inflamed tooth pulp, you qualify for root canal therapy.

They administer a local anesthetic and use special tools to remove the pulp from the center of your tooth. Then, your provider rinses your tooth out with a cleansing solution and fills it with a material called gutta-percha. After filling your teeth, they take impressions of your tooth and cover it with a temporary crown.

Then, your provider sends your impressions to a dental lab. The lab creates a custom crown that fits your unique tooth structure. 

You return to Century Village Dental when your crown is ready, which should take a week or two. Your provider administers a local anesthetic and replaces the temporary crown with the permanent one. Finally, they check your bite and explain how to care for the crown.

What is recovery like after root canals?

After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some tooth sensitivity, gum swelling, and mild discomfort. Take it easy for at least 24 hours, get plenty of rest, and stay well-hydrated. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication or apply a bag of ice to your cheek.

Your mouth should feel back to normal within a few days, but if your symptoms persist or worsen, contact Century Village Dental immediately.

To learn more about the process for root canals, call Century Village Dental or schedule an appointment online today.