Dr. Alexander provides painless root canal treatments in Jacksonville, FL for patients of all ages. No one wants to lose a tooth. Once you loose a tooth, the replacement methods are often stressful and expensive. We know that a root canal treatment may be a scary diagnosis for some patients.
Many patients think root canals are a painful procedure. Some patients may even avoid seeking treatment for infected teeth, and would rather live with prolonged distress than go to the dentist. In reality, root canals are generally no more painful than a regular dental filling procedure.
In fact, root canals may offer instant relief from pain caused by your tooth infection! Best of all, this treatment can save your teeth from extraction and other issues. Dr. Alexander often performs this common general dental procedure with a very high success rate.
The term “root canal” actually refers to the natural cavity at the center of the tooth. There is soft tissue and nerves inside the root canal. Damage to the tooth can cause bacteria or debris to enter this area and cause irritation and infection. In extreme cases, it can cause an abscess.
An abscessed tooth is a very serious issue and you should address it immediately. The infection can spread to other parts of the body. If you believe you have an abscessed tooth, contact our office immediately to schedule emergency dental care.
All About the Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure is an endodontic treatment that removes infected inner tooth pulp and repairs the tooth. Root canal decay can be extremely painful. The bacteria in the tooth infection could eventually spread to your bloodstream, causing systemic health concerns. It is best to always seek the help of a professional dentist as soon as possible to prevent severe issues. One of the most key components of overall good health is your oral health.
The root canal treatment procedure is a routine procedure that Dr. Alexander can provide in the comfort of our Jacksonville dental office. Root canal therapy usually requires two to three visits. First, Dr. Alexander will take digital x-rays to analyze the tooth and root canal infection. He will look for signs of infection in surrounding areas as well. He may administer a form of anesthesia to numb the area and help you relax.
Dr. Alexander will then drill a tiny hole into your tooth to access the infected pulp chamber. Then he removes all of the damaged, inflamed, and diseased dental pulp to leave your tooth hollow and infection-free. He will then thoroughly clean and polish the tooth.
Next, he will fill the hollow tooth with a biocompatible rubber compound called gutta-percha. If essential, Dr. Alexander may place a restorative dental crown on the repaired tooth for added structural support.
Treating tooth decay and root canal infections as soon as you begin to notice signs can help Dr. Alexander maintain the integrity of your natural smile. Every patient prefers conservative dental care over losing their teeth. However, if untreated for a long time, Dr. Alexander may need to extract your tooth. Regular visits to Alexander Dentistry can help diagnose tooth decay and infections early on to avoid costly treatments down the road.
Root Canal FAQs
Is a root canal procedure painful?
No. While root canals have a painful reputation, the pain is from the actual infection, not the root canal procedure. Many patients experience instant pain relief after the root canal procedure. We make sure that you are completely comfortable and relaxed for your dental procedure. We can also offer you conscious dental sedation options to help alleviate your anxiety.
Is a dental crown necessary after a root canal?
The answer depends on which tooth requires treatment. If it’s your molars or premolars, then you will need a dental crown to protect your tooth. Front teeth, canines, and incisors do not need a dental crown after a root canal. Although, a dentist will cap a tooth using a dental crown in cases of severe tooth cavities.
Will dental insurance cover a root canal procedure?
Yes. Many dental insurance providers cover part of the cost of this restorative dental procedure. It is very unlikely that your provider does not cover at least part of the treatment to save your tooth. Most dental insurance providers consider a root canal as a major dental service and may cover part of the cost. Contact your dental insurance provider for specific details.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
Our dentist in Jacksonville, FL is here to make your experience as smooth as possible. Dr. Alexander will take the time to conduct a thorough oral health exam and will listen to your concerns. Schedule a consultation to find out what dental restoration can best restore the comfort, function, and beauty of your smile. We can offer quality dental care in a compassionate and welcoming setting.