Root Canal Therapy
At Martinez Dental Solutions, we perform root canal therapy when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed, and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function. Request an appointment today.
Valuable Root Canals
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal therapy is highly successful and usually lasts many years, although, on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Signs & Symptoms for Possible Root Canal Therapy
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Severe toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness
- Sometimes there are no symptoms present
Why Treatments for Root Canals?
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscess has developed inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma to the tooth
How Are Root Canals Performed?
A root canal procedure requires one or more appointments and can be performed by a dentist or endodontist (a root canal dentist). While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, about one week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed. You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal therapy.
Are you in need of dental services?
CONTACT US NOWSelect Us for Root Canal Therapy
- No rotating doctors! Our dentists own and manage our dental offices, and you will always see the same dentist each time you visit
- Most dental services can be performed in-house, such as crowns (caps), fixed bridges, and dental implants
- We follow strict sterilization techniques and cross-contamination prevention regulations as set by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
The dental hygienist is very sweet and knowledgeable. I just love the atmosphere and the Doctor there too. I have had quite a bit of work done and they have made it seamless and comfortable (as it can be anyway).
Professional Treatments for Root Canals
Request an appointment for our professional root canal therapy. We perform dental exams, cleaning and prevention services, dental restorations, and cosmetic dentistry services like inlays, onlays, and composite fillings. We serve Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, St. Augustine, Middleburg, Fleming Island, and all surrounding communities.
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