305-443-4713If the dental pulp in the root canal of a tooth becomes infected, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. During this procedure, the infection is removed from the root canal of the tooth and the tooth is sealed.
Symptoms
Sometimes, there will be no noticeable symptoms that a root canal is needed. Often, however, tooth pain will be present. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be worse when you bite down on the tooth. Another common symptom is prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods. The gums may also become swollen or tender near the infected tooth. Contact our dental office immediately to schedule an appointment if you notice any of these symptoms.
Procedure
When you come in for your root canal in Coral Gables, Florida, our dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays. This will tell them the shape of the root canals and how many are in the tooth. The tooth and the surrounding area is numbed with a local anesthetic. An access hole is made in the tooth, through which the damaged dental pulp is removed. The area is then cleaned thoroughly. The tooth is then sealed with gutta-percha and the access hole is filled. Depending on the specific situation, a dental crown may be placed.
After the Procedure
Dr. Raymond del Castillo may suggest that a follow-up appointment be scheduled so that they can examine the tooth and make sure that the infection is completely gone. After your root canal treatment, be sure to take good care of your teeth and gums. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once daily. In addition, visit our office at least every six months for your routine cleanings and exams.
We invite you to contact Raymond del Castillo, DDS at 305-443-4713 today to learn more about root canal therapy and to schedule a visit. Our skilled, efficient team is dedicated to helping you restore and maintain the health of your smile!