Root canal therapy saves severely infected or damaged teeth that would otherwise require extraction. Despite their reputation, modern root canals are comfortable procedures that relieve pain rather than cause it. At Cedar Pearl Dental, Dr. White uses advanced techniques and gentle care to perform root canal treatment that preserves your natural tooth and eliminates infection.
A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, cracks or chips, or trauma. Left untreated, the infection can spread, cause severe pain, and lead to tooth loss. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the inner chamber, and seals the tooth to prevent future problems.
Saving your natural tooth through root canal therapy provides benefits that no artificial replacement can match. Your natural tooth maintains proper chewing function, preserves your natural bite force and sensation, protects other teeth from excessive wear, and prevents jawbone deterioration. Root canal treatment is nearly always preferable to extraction, both functionally and economically.
Most patients return to normal activities the next day after root canal therapy. You may experience mild sensitivity or tenderness for a few days, which usually responds well to over-the-counter pain relievers. We’ll provide specific aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to place a permanent crown, which protects and strengthens the treated tooth.
Several symptoms suggest you may need root canal therapy. Severe toothache pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, indicates possible pulp infection. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed signals nerve damage. Tooth discoloration, swelling and tenderness in nearby gums, or a persistent pimple on the gums are all warning signs.
Some infected teeth show no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental exams are crucial. We can detect problems early through visual examination and X-rays before you experience pain. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact our office promptly. Early treatment prevents the infection from spreading and increases the likelihood of saving your tooth.
Root canal therapy typically requires one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of your case. We begin by numbing the area thoroughly to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure. For anxious patients, we offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax. Once you’re comfortable, we create a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp chamber.
Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue and clean the inner canals thoroughly. We shape the canals and disinfect them to eliminate all bacteria. Once clean, we fill the canals with a biocompatible material and seal the opening. Most teeth that receive root canal treatment need a crown to protect and strengthen them, which we’ll place at a subsequent appointment after the tooth has healed.
Modern root canal therapy is far more comfortable than its outdated reputation suggests. With effective anesthesia, most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure. Many tell us the experience is no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. The treatment actually relieves the severe pain caused by the infection.
We use advanced technology and techniques that make root canal therapy more efficient and comfortable than ever before. Digital imaging helps us visualize the tooth structure precisely. Modern instruments allow for thorough cleaning with minimal discomfort. For patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation options that help you feel relaxed and at ease throughout your treatment.
Root canal success rates exceed 95 percent when performed by experienced practitioners. Once treated and properly restored with a crown, a root canal tooth can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. You’ll care for it just like your other teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. The tooth functions normally and remains an integral part of your smile.
Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups helps prevent future problems. While the treated tooth no longer has living pulp tissue, it can still develop decay if not properly cared for. The crown protecting the tooth needs the same attention as your natural teeth. With proper care, your root canal tooth should serve you well for many years to come.
When faced with a severely infected tooth, you may wonder whether to save it with root canal therapy or have it extracted. While extraction may seem simpler, it creates additional problems that require costly solutions. Missing teeth allow surrounding teeth to shift, can cause bite problems, may lead to bone loss in the jaw, and affect your ability to chew properly.
Replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant or bridge costs significantly more than root canal therapy and a crown. These replacement options, while effective, cannot fully replicate the function and feel of your natural tooth. Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth through root canal treatment provides the best long-term outcome for your oral health and your budget.
Don’t let tooth pain go untreated. Root canal therapy at Cedar Pearl Dental can save your tooth and eliminate infection safely and comfortably. Dr. White and our experienced team provide gentle endodontic care for patients throughout Crestview and Okaloosa County. We accept most major insurance plans for our military families.
Contact our office today at (850) 682-2720 if you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity. Early treatment prevents complications and offers the best chance of saving your natural tooth. We’ll evaluate your condition, discuss your treatment options, and help you achieve lasting relief and dental health.
From your first consultation to your ongoing care, we’re committed to providing you with exceptional dental services in a welcoming environment.
Conveniently located in crestview, FL
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OPENING HOURS
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (every second Saturday only)
Sunday: Closed
