What is a Root Canal?

What is a Root Canal?

What is a Root Canal?

What is a Root Canal in St. Petersburg, FL

A root canal is a dental procedure that often causes anxiety for patients, but it is actually one of the most important and effective treatments to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. At 4th Street Family Dentistry, we aim to educate our patients about what a root canal is, why it’s necessary, and how it can help preserve your natural teeth for years to come. If you’re looking for the best dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, we’re here to provide you with top-quality care and help you feel comfortable throughout the entire process.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. The procedure involves removing the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels), cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it. A crown is usually placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and functionality.

The pulp of the tooth is located in the center and extends into the roots. If the pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, or a crack in the tooth, it can cause pain and lead to an abscess, which may require more extensive dental work, including tooth extraction. A root canal prevents further damage and removes the source of infection, saving the tooth from extraction.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Not all dental pain requires a root canal, but there are several signs that you may need one. Common symptoms include:

  • Severe Tooth Pain: A deep, persistent toothache, especially when chewing or touching the tooth, could indicate an infection in the pulp.

  • Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: If you experience sharp or lingering pain from hot or cold food and drinks, it could be a sign that the pulp is infected.

  • Swollen or Tender Gums: Swelling around the affected tooth, especially if accompanied by tenderness or a pimple-like bump on the gums, may indicate an infection.

  • Discoloration: A tooth that becomes darker or discolored can be a sign that the pulp is dying or has already died.

  • Persistent Gum Abscess: An abscess, or pus-filled bump, on the gums near the tooth, can signal an infection that requires a root canal.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit the best dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, for an evaluation and timely treatment.

The Root Canal Procedure

If you need a root canal, here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

1. Initial Consultation and Diagnosis

The first step is an initial consultation with your dentist, who will examine your tooth and take X-rays to determine the extent of the damage or infection. Based on these findings, your dentist will confirm whether a root canal is necessary and explain the procedure in detail.

2. Local Anesthesia

To ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. While you may feel pressure during the procedure, you should not feel pain.

3. Cleaning and Shaping the Root Canal

Once the tooth is numb, your dentist will create a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The infected pulp will be removed, and the inside of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. The root canals will be shaped to make space for the filling material.

4. Filling the Root Canal

After cleaning and shaping, your dentist will fill the root canal with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This helps seal the canals and prevent further infection.

5. Placing the Crown

To restore the tooth’s structure and function, your dentist will place a crown over the treated tooth. This helps protect the tooth from future damage and ensures that it can withstand normal chewing pressure.

6. Post-Procedure Care

Once the root canal is complete, you may experience some soreness or mild discomfort, especially if the infection was severe. Over-the-counter pain relievers and proper oral care can help manage any discomfort. Your dentist will provide instructions for at-home care to help your tooth heal properly.

Benefits of a Root Canal

  • Saves Your Natural Tooth: Root canals allow you to keep your natural tooth rather than opting for an extraction, which can lead to further complications down the line.

  • Prevents the Need for Future Dental Work: By removing the infection and preserving the tooth, a root canal can help avoid more complex procedures like tooth extraction and dental implants.

  • Restores Normal Function: After a root canal and crown placement, the tooth is fully functional again, allowing you to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

  • Relieves Pain: A root canal removes the infection that causes severe pain, bringing long-term relief to your mouth and overall health.

Why Choose the Best Dentist in St. Petersburg, FL?

Choosing the best dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, for your root canal treatment ensures that you receive the highest quality care and the best possible outcome. At 4th Street Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on offering a gentle, patient-centered approach to all dental treatments, including root canals. Our skilled team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your procedure is as comfortable and effective as possible.

We take the time to educate you on the process, answer any questions, and ensure that you feel at ease throughout your treatment. With us, you can be confident that you’re in expert hands every step of the way.

Contact Us

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or other signs of an infection, a root canal may be the solution to save your tooth and relieve your discomfort. At 4th Street Family Dentistry, we offer root canal treatments that prioritize your comfort and long-term dental health. Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable—contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, and learn more about how a root canal can restore your smile and health.

Your path to pain relief and a healthier smile starts here!

Root Canal FAQ

root canal FAQ - St. Petersburg, FL dentist

Root Canal FAQ

When most people hear the term “root canal,” they become terrified. A root canal does not have to be a scary experience with today’s cutting-edge technology and enhanced local anesthetic products, as well as some awareness. Root canals are a popular restorative dentistry treatment done at our dental office. In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week coming up, our dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, answers a brief root canal FAQ. 

What is the Purpose of a Root Canal? 

Dr. Leeson may recommend a root canal for a variety of reasons, including the following:

  • Your tooth infection that has spread to the nerves
  • Severe cavity
  • Damaged tooth
  • Cracked tooth
  • Broken tooth

What Exactly Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to prevent tooth loss and alleviate pain. The pulp within your teeth is made up of soft tissue blood, connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. When your tooth becomes infected, your St. Pete dentist will likely recommend root canal therapy. During this procedure, Dr. Leeson and his team will remove the contaminated pulp. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and, your tooth will be sealed. Our friend, Dr. Hoang, a dentist in Bethlehem, GA, says that patients are usually given a dental crown to fully restore the tooth and prevent any further damage. 

What Can I Expect During a Root Canal Procedure?

When you visit 4th Street Family Dentistry in St. Pete, FL, you can expect nothing but the best. Our team will welcome you with open arms and make sure you feel right at home. Our team will ask you some general questions before numbing the tooth. The root canal procedure will begin once the area has been numbed.

The length of time it takes to complete your root canal depends on the number of roots that need to be treated. The majority of teeth have one root canal, while others have two or four. The operation for a single canal normally takes less than an hour. The more canals your tooth has, the longer it may take. In some situations, patients may have to come back for another visit. This will all be discussed with you beforehand. 

Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt?

One of the most common questions our patients ask us is, does root canal therapy hurt? With the right dental technology and team, your procedure will be completely painless. You may feel some discomfort after your procedure, but this is all manageable. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen should help. Dr. Leeson can prescribe a prescription dose of pain medication in some cases. Within two days, you should feel much better and be able to resume your normal routine.

Contact Your Dentist in St. Pete 

Now that you’ve read through our root canal FAQ, you should be able to better understand root canal therapy. Be sure to contact 4th Street Family Dentistry for dental services, including emergency dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and preventative dentistry. Give us a call to schedule your appointment today!

Do I Need a Root Canal?

4th Street Family Dentistry - Do I Need a Root Canal?

Do I Need a Root Canal?

For many patients, just hearing the simple words “root canal” are enough to strike fear and set off anxiety. According to Dr. Leeson, the root canal procedure has a bad reputation, which is very much undeserved. If your tooth pain is severe enough to warrant the procedure, you’ll find that undergoing the procedure can prove to be a relief. It can also reduce your risk of losing the tooth.

You may be wondering if you will need a root canal when you next visit with your St. Petersburg FL dentist Dr. Leeson. While you truly won’t know whether or not you could benefit from the procedure, there are some signs that you may need to have root canal treatment. 

Severe Tooth Pain

The clearest sign of an issue with a tooth is experiencing tooth pain. It’s not unusual to experience tooth pain, but what sets this pain apart will be the fact that you experience more pain when you eat, chew or otherwise apply pressure to the tooth.

The pain may be serious enough that it keeps you up at night, and does not respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers.

Discoloration in the Tooth

A tooth that is infected and suffering from serious decay may also change color. You may start to notice that a tooth that has been giving you a bit of trouble is starting to darken. Dr. Moghadam, a dentist in Easton, PA, says that this is due to the dentin inside of the tooth being infected or dead as a result of the infection. While this may give cause for embarrassment and concern, your cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian Leeson can offer solutions to restore the look of your tooth. A crown is often used after the root canal treatment to reinforce the tooth. A crown can restore the look of a healthy tooth instantly.

Tooth Sensitivity 

Tooth sensitivity isn’t entirely rare. Many people do have some type of sensitivity in their teeth. The fact that you experience sensitivity when enjoying cold or hot food and drinks do not necessarily mean that you will need root canal therapy. The key difference is that once you remove the source of the sensitivity and discomfort, the pain should stop if it’s not severe decay in the tooth. If it is, and you are in need of a root canal procedure, the sensitivity and discomfort will linger for some time. You may need to consider taking pain relievers before you can get the relief that you need.

Inflammation of the Gums

Did you know that it’s not just the tooth that can be symptomatic when it comes to an infection inside of the tooth’s root canals? Your gums can show some signs that the nearby painful tooth is in need of root canal therapy. Your gums may be swollen, tender to the touch and you may see a small, raised white bump on them. Our friend Dr. Josh Eastham, an emergency dentist in Grand Junction, says that if you are experiencing gum inflammation, that it’s important to see a dental professional before the problem worsens. Gum inflammation can lead to gum disease, which eventually causes permanent tooth loss.

According to your emergency dentist in St. Pete, there may be no immediate and outward indication that you are in need of root canal therapy. This is why it is so important to keep up with your routine checkups every six months. Pay a visit to the best dentist in St. Petersburg and learn more about the overall health of your teeth and gums. At 4th Street Family Dentistry, we love to keep you smiling.