Restorative Dental Treatment in Venice, FL
Our mission is to help patients of all ages maintain a healthy, beautiful smile that they're truly proud to show off. As a leading dental practice serving Venice, FL and the surrounding communities, we're proud to offer a wide range of treatments ranging from general and preventive dentistry to comprehensive cosmetic dental treatment, and we work hard to personalize our treatment plans to suit the unique needs of our patients. We strive to prevent dental problems before they even develop at our office, but when a tooth is threatened by an advanced cavity or dental trauma, root canals offer a convenient, effective treatment option.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a relatively minor, routine procedure that can repair a tooth that has advanced dental decay or trauma, allowing us to save a tooth that would otherwise be lost entirely. The procedure is performed by an endodontist and usually completed in two office visits, and the result is a healthy, strong tooth that both looks and functions like a natural tooth. Root canals often get a bad rap in dentistry – "I'd rather have a root canal" is a derogatory expression, but the truth is, they're a convenient, painless, and highly effective procedure that can save your teeth and preserve your healthy smile. There are more than 24 million root canals performed each year, and it remains one of the most successful and reliable procedures in dentistry.
Usually, we'll recommend a root canal when a dental problem is threatening the structural integrity of a tooth. The most common reason for root canals is a cavity that has progressed deep within the tooth and infected the fleshy dental pulp at the tooth's center. However, root canals may also be helpful if a tooth has been cracked or otherwise damaged, or if a tooth is too weak due to repeated dental procedures.
What Happens in a Root Canal Procedure?
Root canals may vary depending on the specifics of the condition and the severity of the infection, but most root canals follow these basic steps:
- First, our Venice endodontist will examine the tooth and surrounding areas both visually and with dental x-rays.
- After deciding on a root canal and planning out the treatment, we'll numb the area with local anesthetic and place a dental dam over the tooth to protect it and keep it clean and dry.
- Once the anesthetic takes effect, your dentist will create an opening in the tooth, using it to remove any decayed tooth tissue as well as infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals.
- After removing all decayed tissue, your dentist will carefully clean and sterilize the area.
- Next, your dentist will fill the canals with a strong, biocompatible filler material.
- Finally, we'll seal the tooth and place a lifelike dental crown to protect the tooth and restore it to its normal appearance.
Caring for Your Tooth After a Root Canal
When we first perform the root canal, we'll place a temporary crown to seal the tooth and protect the area. We'll then send a report of the procedure to your general dentist. Then, you'll make a follow-up appointment with your dentist within a few weeks of the procedure to remove the temporary restoration and get your permanent dental crown.
All you'll need to do to care for your restored tooth is brush it and floss it just as you would a regular tooth. Root canals are reliable, effective procedures, and most patients don't run into any problems after a root canals. As always, though, we're here to help if you do experience any issues.
Contact Your Venice, FL Dental Specialists
Root canals are a safe, convenient, and effective way to repair a tooth that's been damaged by dental trauma or a cavity, and if you think you might benefit from root canal treatment, our Venice dentists are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about this treatment and schedule a consultation at our office. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!