Call our office
Find our office
Office hours
Mon-Fri: 8AM-5PM
Fridays By Appointment Only
Root Canals
Root canal therapy is used to treat infection within the core of a tooth, saving it from extraction, and alleviating pain. The process involves our Largo, FL, dentist removing the infected or inflamed inner portion (pulp), cleaning and disinfecting the inner chambers, and sealing up the tooth to prevent further infection. Despite having an intimidating reputation, are routine procedures that serve as a preferred choice for deep dental decay or injury.
Here’s what you should know about root canal treatment.
Reasons for a Root Canal
Typically, no one looks forward to a root canal, but one is often necessary when the innermost part of the tooth becomes either badly infected or damaged. This essential procedure can prevent further complications and keep the tooth intact.
Dr. Piper might recommend a root canal if you have:
- Deep Decay: When tooth decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth, it can lead to infection and the need for a root canal to save the tooth.
- Infections or Abscesses: Infections that form inside the tooth or at the root tip can cause dental abscesses. A root canal cleans out the infection and prevents it from spreading.
- Trauma or Injury: A severe impact to a tooth can cause damage to the pulp, even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth. A root canal may be necessary to preserve the tooth’s function and structure.
- Had Repeated Dental Procedures: Frequent treatment on a tooth can cause stress to the pulp, sometimes necessitating a root canal.
How a Root Canal Helps Your Smile
The primary benefit of a root canal is that it saves your natural tooth, avoiding the need for tooth removal and replacement down the road with a dental implant or bridge. Of course, Dr. Piper can guide you through the steps needed to restore your smile, but our main goal is to preserve what is already there.
Several ways root canals can benefit your oral health include:
- Pain Relief: By removing the infected or inflamed pulp, root canal therapy can significantly reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort.
- Prevents Spread of Infection: Cleaning the infected root canal halts the spread of infection to other teeth and gum tissues.
- Maintains Natural Appearance: A tooth saved through a root canal is often covered with a porcelain crown or filling, which looks and feels natural.
- Efficient Chewing and Normal Biting Force: Root canal therapy allows you to maintain normal chewing function and biting force, which would otherwise be affected by the loss of a tooth.
- Protects Other Teeth: By maintaining your natural tooth structure, a root canal helps prevent excessive wear or strain on surrounding teeth that would have to compensate for a missing tooth.
Get the Treatment You Deserve
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Our dentist in Largo, FL, is equipped with the latest technology and techniques for pain-free root canal treatment. Call or text David W. Piper, DMD Family Dentistry today at (727) 548-7100 to request an appointmentand get your smile back on track.