Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is primarily designed to treat infections or diseases of the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the innermost part of the tooth, containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

Diseases/Conditions Treated by Root Canal Treatment:

✔️ Pulpitis: This is inflammation of the pulp, which can be reversible or irreversible. In irreversible pulpitis, the inflammation is so severe that the pulp cannot heal and requires removal.
✔️Dental Abscess: An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms due to a bacterial infection. It can form at the tip of the root (periapical abscess) or in the gum next to a tooth root (periodontal abscess).
✔️Dental Trauma: Trauma, such as a crack or fracture, can expose or damage the pulp.
✔️ Deep Decay: If dental caries (cavities) are not treated early, they can reach the pulp, leading to infection.
✔️ Previous Large Fillings: Teeth that have had large fillings might weaken over time, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp.
✔️ Crack or Chip in the Tooth: This can allow bacteria to infiltrate the pulp chamber.
✔️ Dental Resorption: This is a rare condition where the tooth structure starts to break down and be absorbed by the body.

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

✔️ Diagnosis and X-Ray - Before the procedure, the dentist will take an X-ray to assess the shape of the root canals and detect any signs of infection in the surrounding bone.

✔️ Anesthesia - Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and the surrounding area.

✔️ Tooth Isolation - A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva.

✔️ Access Opening - The dentist drills an opening through the crown of the tooth into the pulp chamber.

✔️ Cleaning the Root Canal - The diseased or damaged pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected. This involves enlarging and shaping the canal to ensure all infected material is removed.

✔️ Filling the Root Canal - After cleaning and shaping, the root canal is filled to seal the space. Typically, a rubber-like material called gutta-percha is used.

✔️ Restoration - After the root canal is filled, the access hole needs to be sealed. In many cases, a tooth that needs a root canal will also need a crown (cap) to restore its strength and functionality.

✔️ Follow-Up - Sometimes, the treated tooth might need further restoration work, such as a post and a crown, especially if it’s a back tooth that bears the brunt of chewing.

A successful root canal can save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction. The procedure has a high success rate, and many teeth fixed with a root canal can last a lifetime. However, like all medical procedures, there can be complications, so it’s important to follow post-procedure care instructions and attend any recommended follow-up appointments.

When the nerve of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, patients can sometimes experience severe pain or swelling, and root canal treatment or tooth extraction is often required to stop the pain and resolve the infection. At Gables iSmile, we provide a team of specialists to treat root canal procedures in Florida. This service is available both to patients registered with the practice and to new patients.