Root Canals – What Is Endodontic Treatment?

Root Canals

A Root Canal (Endodontic Treatment) is an effective dental treatment for a tooth that has become infected or decayed, which can be very painful and lead to other problems. In order to treat this infection, the nerves of the tooth are removed and the pulp is treated with special, medicated materials that seal off the inside of the tooth.

Symptoms of a Root Canal

The most common symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal are pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, and swollen gums. These symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from other dental issues and should not be dismissed as something that isn’t serious. Getting an examination by a Sarasota Florida Root Canals Specialist can help you to identify the root cause of your pain and give you a better understanding of what treatment options are available.

Root Canal Side Effects

There are a number of possible root canal side effects, but most commonly they are mild and temporary. These side effects include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling of the gums, and discoloration of the tooth after the procedure.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a Sarasota Dentist to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Getting treatment early will reduce the amount of time that you need to live with the pain and make sure that your tooth isn’t compromised by an abscess that could be deadly.

Antibiotics are often prescribed before and after endodontic treatment for a variety of reasons, including to reduce the chance of systemic infection and to decrease the risk of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. However, recent studies have shown that antibiotics are frequently unnecessary and may contribute to the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.

Bacteria that is trapped in the root canal can leak into the body and cause infections, inflammation, and illnesses such as arthritis or kidney disease. These conditions are far more likely if you have a chronic infection or an untreated dental condition such as tooth decay.

Some of these infections can also affect your other teeth, so it is important to seek treatment for the problem immediately. This can prevent the spread of infection and reduce the risk of other health problems such as heart disease, cancer, or Alzheimer’s Disease.

A Root Canal is the best way to save a severely damaged natural tooth, and the success rate for root canals is very high. About 90% to 95% of patients who receive this treatment will have a healthy, functional tooth for many years to come.

It is important to keep your treated tooth as clean as possible after your root canal, because this will help it to last for a very long time. Brushing and flossing daily, along with regular visits to your dentist, will help you maintain the health of your tooth for years to come.

Avoid smoking before your root canal, because this will interfere with the body’s ability to heal after the procedure and will increase your likelihood of needing another root canal in the future.