Root Canal

Tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature changes, and facial swelling are telltale signs that you need a root canal. At Bright and Shine Dental in Coral Springs, Florida, Paola Kesman, DDS, performs safe, cost-effective root canal treatments. Dr. Kesman believes patients shouldn’t have to struggle to get the quality dental care they deserve. To find out if root canal therapy is right for you, call Bright and Shine Dental or schedule an request online today.

What is a root canal?

Inside your tooth is a hollow pocket called the tooth chamber, which contains pulp. This soft tissue has numerous nerves and blood vessels that are vital to your tooth development. Once your teeth mature, you no longer need pulp. Decay that reaches the pulp can result in an infection that causes intense pain. The infection can even spread to other areas of your body.

A root canal is a tooth-saving procedure that removes the inflamed pulp and replaces it with a biocompatible material. Root canal therapy can help relieve your pain and restore your tooth function.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Many people don’t realize they need a root canal until they visit the dentist for a routine dental exam and teeth cleaning. However, once the infection progresses, you may start to experience uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Pain when chewing
• Facial swelling
• Fever
• Earaches
• Headaches
• Swollen gums
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Loose teeth

A small pimple on your gums is a sign of an abscess. This pus-filled sac can cause excruciating pain if it ruptures. It may also spread potentially harmful bacteria throughout your body. Without treatment, bacteria from a dental abscess can infiltrate your bloodstream.

Why would I need a root canal?

Many dental concerns can damage and inflame your tooth pulp, including:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Large fillings
• Tooth trauma
• A chipped or cracked tooth

Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, such as fillings, can also lead to a tooth infection.

What happens during a root canal?

Dr. Kesman administers an anesthetic to numb your pain during a root canal. Next, she creates a small access hole in your tooth. She uses special dental tools to remove the pulp before cleaning and disinfecting the tooth chamber. Dr. Kesman makes sure every trace of bacteria is gone before sealing the tooth to prevent another infection.

Finally, she fills the tooth with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. After sealing the tooth, Dr. Kesman places a temporary filling. 

To protect your tooth from additional damage, she may recommend returning to the office for a dental crown. This tooth-shaped cap fits over the visible portion of your tooth to protect against damage while restoring the shape, size, and color of your tooth.

To learn more about root canal therapy, call Bright and Shine Dental or request an appointment online today.