Dr. Alexander provides painless root canal treatments in Jacksonville, FL for patients of all ages. No one wants to lose a tooth. Once you lose 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. Root canals are generally no more painful than a regular dental filling procedure.
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” refers to the natural cavity at the tooth’s center. 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 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 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 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 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. Dr. Alexander may place a restorative dental crown on the repaired tooth for added structural support if essential.
Treating tooth decay and root canal infections as soon as you 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 to avoid costly treatments.
Root Canal FAQs
There are a lot of misconceptions out there about root canals. Read the answers to these frequently asked questions to learn more.
Is a root canal procedure painful?
No. While root canals have a painful reputation, the pain is from the infection, not the root canal procedure. Many patients experience instant pain relief after the root canal procedure. We ensure 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. You will need a dental crown to protect your tooth, if it’s your molars or premolars. 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 a major dental service and may cover part of the cost. Contact your dental insurance provider for specific details.
How can I prepare for a root canal?
For a full 24 hours before your appointment, avoid tobacco and alcohol. Both can slow the healing process and increase your chances of complications. Eat before the procedure, but avoid eating or drinking for an hour before the procedure. Ensure you brush and floss your teeth right before. Your mouth may be numb for a while after the procedure, which will make it difficult to eat. Wear comfortable clothes, and ensure you’re rested and calm when entering the office.
Can it be too late for a root canal?
Yes. If you wait and ignore the pain and infection for too long, we may be unable to save the tooth. When the deepest layers of your tooth are infected, or if too much of the tooth has to be removed, we’ll need to extract the tooth instead. This is why we recommend calling your dentist when you notice an issue.
Should I take painkillers before my root canal appointment?
No, we don’t advise taking over-the-counter painkillers before the appointment. Only take your normal daily medications. Painkillers can mask the pain we’re trying to treat with a root canal. It can impact our ability to diagnose your condition.
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 determine what dental restoration can best restore your smile’s comfort, function, and beauty. We can offer quality dental care in a compassionate and welcoming setting.