Root canals

Root Canals

Treating Infected Teeth In Boynton Beach, FL

At Marc A. Minch, DMD, our goal is to provide preventative care so that you can avoid procedures down the road. However, sometimes certain procedures, such as root canals, become necessary. A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infection or damage within the pulp of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or severely damaged, it can cause pain and lead to further complications. Root canals aim to save the tooth by removing the damaged pulp, disinfecting the inside of the tooth and sealing it to prevent future infections.

Why Root Canals?

There are many reasons why we may recommend this procedure for you. A root canal allows us to save your tooth so you can achieve good overall dental health and well-being. Here are some reasons we may refer you to a specialist to have this procedure performed:

  • Deep Decay: When decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, a root canal is necessary to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.

  • Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple fillings or other dental procedures can sometimes weaken teeth. Root canals may be necessary to treat the teeth’s internal damage.

  • Cracked Or Chipped Tooth: If damage to the tooth exposes the pulp, it can lead to infection.

  • Trauma: If you injure your tooth during a fall or accident, it can damage the pulp.

What Happens During Root Canals?

Root canals are safe, routine procedures that are necessary to save your teeth. During a root canal, a dental care team takes extra measures to make sure you feel safe and comfortable and remain pain free. The procedure includes:

  • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is given to numb both the tooth and the surrounding area. This will make sure that you have a pain-free experience.

  • Access Opening: Your endodontist will create a small opening in your tooth’s crown. From there, they can access the canal of the root as well as the pulp chamber.

  • Cleaning And Shaping: The pulp tissue is removed, and the root canals are cleaned and shaped to eliminate bacteria and debris.

  • Filling: The cleaned canals are filled with a special material to seal the internal space and prevent future infection.

  • Restoration: After the procedure, the tooth is restored with a crown to protect it. Your specialist should discuss this step with you, as you will need a crown at a follow-up appointment.

What Are The Benefits Of Root Canals?

While root canals often get a bad rep, they actually have many benefits and can improve your oral health and prevent future problems. Some of the benefits include:

  • Pain Relief: No one wants to be in pain, and we know that a damaged or infected tooth can cause discomfort. Receiving a root canal can provide significant relief.

  • Preservation Of Natural Tooth: By saving your tooth, this procedure can prevent you from having to undergo an extraction in the future.

  • Prevent Further Infection: This procedure can actually help prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or even other parts of your body.

FAQs About Root Canals

We want you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable if you are in need of this procedure. Below, we have answered some frequently asked questions about root canals.

The procedure usually takes about an hour or up to 90 minutes.

Recovery is quick, and should only take several days to a week.

No. A root canal is a very standard procedure, and with anesthesia and pain medication, it is not painful. You may feel uncomfortable and sore, but you will should be provided with detailed post-operative instructions to make your recovery smooth and pain free.

Contact Us Today

At Marc A. Minch, DMD, we aim to educate our patients on the benefits of maintaining excellent oral habits, so you hopefully never need a root canal. But if you do, we strive to make you informed as possible about the procedure, so you are able to make a well informed decision. If you have any additional questions or concerns, we’re always happy to help. To contact us, please fill out our online form or call us at (561) 732-1777, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Couple with healthy teeth smiling on beach

Health-Centered Dental Care

In Southeast Florida

We are proud to provide compassionate and personalized care with a gentle touch. Dr. Minch, Dr. Newton and our team use a health-centered and prevention-based approach to give you a healthy smile with an emphasis on sleep health.

(561) 732-1777

2620 S Seacrest Blvd., Suite C & D
Boynton Beach, Florida 33435

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