Modern root canal therapy represents a remarkable advancement in preserving natural teeth when tooth decay or infection threatens their survival. At Ocean Breeze Implant and Esthetic Dentistry, our experienced team understands that learning you may need a root canal can feel overwhelming, but this proven endodontic procedure offers the best opportunity to save your natural tooth and maintain your oral health.
Before root canals became available, teeth with diseased nerves had to be removed from the mouth entirely. However, now most diseased teeth can be salvaged through advanced root canal treatment. In the majority of cases, the root canal procedure is a straightforward treatment that involves minimal patient discomfort and allows patients to preserve their natural tooth structure while avoiding tooth loss.
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the inner pulp of your tooth becomes infected or severely damaged by tooth decay. Within the walls of each tooth, a strand of dental pulp – the substance that supplies the tooth with nerves, nutrients, connective tissue and blood vessels – extends downward into the root.
When this dental pulp becomes diseased due to decay, trauma, or infection, the pulp dies, cutting off the essential nutrients and nerve signals the tooth needs to remain healthy.
If diseased pulp is left untreated in the tooth, the tooth will develop a serious infection, forcing extraction as the only remaining option and resulting in tooth loss. This is precisely when patients need a root canal to save their natural tooth and avoid more extensive treatment. Our dental office provides comprehensive care to ensure the affected tooth can be preserved through skilled endodontic procedures.
Recognizing the symptoms of pulp damage can help you seek timely treatment from your dentist. Common symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal include those affecting the infected tooth and surrounding tissues.
Persistent tooth pain that worsens when biting down or applying pressure indicates potential damaged pulp requiring root canal therapy. Patients experiencing tooth pain should seek prompt evaluation, as severe pain often signals advanced pulp inflammation that may require an endodontic procedure. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, even after the stimulus is removed, often signals pulp inflammation in the affected tooth.
Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums can indicate infection spreading from the tooth’s root, while discomfort when chewing suggests the tooth’s structural integrity is compromised. Dental pain that persists or worsens over time typically indicates the infected tooth requires immediate attention to prevent tooth loss.
Tooth discoloration, particularly darkening, may indicate pulp death in the affected tooth, and the presence of a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums often signals an infection at the root tip that requires root canal treatment.
The endodontic procedure known as root canals allows Dr. Rohrer to remove the infected pulp, thoroughly clean the root canal system, and seal the tooth to prevent future infection. This proven procedure effectively protects and saves the natural tooth while eliminating discomfort and preventing the spread of infection. Our dental office utilizes advanced techniques to ensure a pain free experience throughout the treatment.
Dr. Rohrer begins the root canal procedure by creating a small opening through the crown of the tooth into the dental pulp chamber. The damaged pulp and infected tissue are then carefully removed from both the pulp chamber and the root canals, and the entire root canal system is meticulously cleaned and disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria that could cause future infection in the treated tooth.
After thorough cleaning, the root canals and pulp chamber are permanently filled with a biocompatible material to seal the tooth against future infection. Dr. Rohrer completes the procedure by placing a temporary filling to protect the treated tooth during initial healing. Following the healing period, the temporary filling is replaced with a permanent restoration, often a dental crown, depending on the tooth’s location and the extent of the original damage.
Our dental office utilizes state-of-the-art technology to enhance the precision and comfort of root canal therapy. Digital imaging allows Dr. Rohrer to visualize the root canal system in detail before beginning the endodontic procedure, while rotary instruments clean the root canals more thoroughly and efficiently than traditional methods. This advanced approach ensures a more predictable pain free experience for our patients.
Modern root canal treatment techniques significantly reduce treatment time and minimize post-procedure discomfort. Patients can expect the healing process to be smoother and more predictable with these advanced approaches to root canal therapy. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry options to enhance comfort during the endodontic procedure.
Following your root canal procedure, proper care ensures optimal healing and long-term success of the treatment. Most patients experience minimal discomfort after root canal therapy, and any mild discomfort typically resolves within a few days as healing progresses. The treated tooth will require careful monitoring during the healing period.
Your dentist will provide specific instructions for caring for the treated tooth during the healing period, including recommendations for managing any temporary discomfort. It’s essential to attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and complete the restoration process with a permanent dental crown or filling. This ensures the treated tooth remains strong and functional for years to come.
After root canal treatment, protecting the treated tooth with a dental crown is typically recommended, especially for back teeth that endure significant chewing forces. A crown serves as a protective cap that restores the tooth’s full function and prevents fractures that could compromise the root canal therapy. This step is crucial for maintaining the treated tooth and preventing future complications.
The dental crown placement procedure involves preparing the treated tooth to receive the restoration and taking impressions for a custom crown. While you wait for your permanent dental crown, a temporary crown protects the treated tooth and maintains proper spacing.
Understanding the connection between gum disease and root canal needs helps patients maintain better oral health. Advanced gum disease can contribute to tooth decay and infection, potentially leading to situations where patients need a root canal. Our comprehensive approach addresses both the immediate need for root canal therapy and underlying conditions like gum disease that may contribute to future dental problems.
Regular dental checkups at our dental office help identify early signs of tooth decay and gum disease before they progress to the point where patients need a root canal. Prevention remains the best strategy for avoiding complex endodontic procedures and maintaining natural teeth throughout your lifetime.
As one of only 150 maxillofacial prosthodontists in the United States, Dr. Nicholas Goetz brings unparalleled training in complex dental restoration procedures to our Delray Beach practice. While Dr. Goetz focuses on prosthodontic care, our team works closely with trusted endodontic specialists when complex root canal therapy cases require additional experience. This collaborative approach ensures patients receive the highest level of care for their infected tooth.
Our dental office prioritizes patient comfort and clear communication throughout every endodontic procedure. We understand that patients facing root canal therapy may feel anxious about experiencing tooth pain or severe pain, which is why we offer sedation dentistry options and focus on creating a pain free experience from consultation through healing.
Advanced technology and continuing education ensures that patients receive the most current and effective root canal treatment available. We work closely with each patient to minimize discomfort and achieve the best possible outcomes from their root canal therapy, preventing tooth loss and preserving natural tooth structure.
When you need a root canal, choosing an experienced dentist who understands the complexities of endodontic procedures makes all the difference in your treatment success. Dr. Goetz’s extensive training in prosthodontics provides unique insights into how root canal therapy integrates with comprehensive tooth restoration, ensuring optimal long-term results for the treated tooth and our patients’ overall oral health.
Take the first step toward saving your natural tooth and eliminating tooth pain by calling our Delray Beach dental office at (561) 265-1998 or contacting us online to schedule your root canal consultation with Dr. Goetz and our caring team.
Porcelain veneers are very strong and resilient. You will be able to eat and bite normally. However, just as with your natural tooth, you should always avoid biting on hard foods or ice, for example. You should also avoid harmful practices such as opening packages or bottles with your teeth. Taking care of your veneers will avoid cracks or damages.
Not only are veneers strong, but they are also very durable. They could last 10 to 20 years, depending on your oral care, your bite, and the quality of the work in your mouth, among other factors. Keeping good oral hygiene and steady dental checkups will absolutely help your veneers last longer and prevent conditions like gum disease that can affect overall oral health.
Depending on the amount of veneers you need, anesthesia may be used during the preparation of your teeth. Many patients prefer the usual local anesthesia to feel comfortable during the treatment considering that a thin part of your tooth surface needs to be removed. For patients with anxiety, sedation dentistry options are available to ensure a pain free experience. Your dentist will always take into account your needs and preferences.
For veneers to fit perfectly over your worn or damaged tooth, a very thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed. Because of this, the process is irreversible, similar to how a treated tooth after root canal therapy requires permanent restoration.
Your dental insurance company may allow coverage of cosmetic procedures if, for example, the procedure is part of a reconstructive surgery. However, most dental plans do not usually provide benefits for cosmetic procedures as they are considered optional esthetic treatments. But you should always ask what procedures your dental insurance covers, as some plans may cover restorative work like dental crowns following root canal treatment.
If you grind your teeth at night, chances are that you will damage your teeth whether you have veneers or not. This habit can also contribute to tooth decay and may eventually lead to situations where you need a root canal. To avoid damaging or breaking the veneers, your dentist will recommend wearing a protective bite guard to lessen the pressure on your veneers while you sleep. This protection is especially important for any treated tooth that has undergone root canal therapy.
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Ocean Breeze is a dental office located in Delray Beach, Fl. specializing in prosthodontic treatments as well as general and cosmetic dentistry services. Dr. Nicholas Goetz and his team are thrilled for the opportunity to provide patients with the most advanced and comprehensive dentistry they deserve.
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**Requested time is not final until you receive confirmation from our office. Please do not submit any Protected Health Information (PHI).
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