In nature, your teeth are held in place by roots that extend into your jawbone. The tip or end of each root is called an apex, and nerves and blood vessels pass through the apex into your tooth. Occasionally, a root canal is needed to remove an infection from the root of your tooth.

The best way to prevent a root canal is to take good care of your teeth, by cleaning them thoroughly and eating healthy foods. Also, avoid smoking and other habits that could cause damage to your teeth.

You may need to see your dentist more than once if you have an infected root canal, so schedule regular visits for maintenance and cleanings. If you do need a root canal, it usually takes one or two appointments, depending on the extent of the work. Of course, the best course of action to have Root Canals is to find a good Sarasota Root Canal Specialist in Florida.

If you have pain or other signs that indicate an infection, call our office immediately to schedule an appointment with us. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you determine if a root canal is right for you.

Symptoms that suggest a root canal might be needed include chronic toothache, persistent swelling, or abscesses in a single tooth.

A toothache that just doesn’t go away, even with over-the-counter pain medication, is likely due to an infection in the tooth pulp. A root canal will relieve your tooth’s pain and treat the infection.

Abscesses can also be caused by an infected tooth, but often, the infection is deeper and requires a root canal to resolve it.

You should never leave a root canal untreated, as it can lead to the death of your tooth or the formation of an abscess. In the worst cases, a root canal can also result in bone loss and a tooth that won’t function properly.

When Is a Root Canal Needed?

Root canals are most commonly prescribed for teeth that have a severe cavity and infected pulp. If your dentist thinks you may need a root canal, you’ll likely need to come in for an examination and X-rays to determine the extent of the infection.

The procedure will involve removing the infected material, cleaning and sealing the pulp chamber and root canals. Then, the inside of the tooth will be filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. This protects the tooth from further infection and allows your dentist to restore it with a crown or filling, so that you can enjoy a normal life again.

Can I Drive After a Root Canal?

Depending on the level of sedation you have chosen, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure. Local anesthesia is usually enough to make you numb, but you may need more sedation if you choose oral sedation or IV sedation.

Do I Need to Eat Before a Root Canal?

You can eat soft foods like pastas, mashed potatoes and yogurt for the first few days after a root canal. However, you shouldn’t bite or chew on the treated tooth until your permanent dental restoration is in place.