Have you started having pain in a molar, or does a tooth feel sensitive as you bite and chew something cold? These symptoms could mean you need root canal treatment. At Parker Dentistry in Hollywood, FL, Dr. Stephen Parker and Dr. Blake Parker are the dentists who perform this restorative service. Keep your tooth, and feel better, too, with a comfortable root canal from these experts.
It's nothing to fear
Root canal treatment has an unfortunate reputation: pain, lengthy time in the treatment care, multiple appointments. But, the truth is just the opposite: root canal therapy is comfortable, actually relieves pain and other symptoms and allows you to avoid extraction. Plus, at Parker Dentistry in Hollywood, FL, your dentist does most root canal treatments in just two appointments.
What happens during root canal treatment?
Dr. Parker begins with a complete oral exam with X-rays to determine if you need a root canal. Signs that you may need a root canal include a toothache, drainage, visible cracks and absent tooth structure, missing fillings and more.
As appropriate, your dentist can begin the restoration right away. He first numbs the area with local anesthetic and places a protective dam around the tooth. Then, he removes the infected pulp (connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves) from each canal and the central chamber inside the tooth. The pulp contains dead and dying soft tissue. The tooth can function well without it, particularly as the dentist seals each canal with elastic gutta-percha and tops off the tooth with a temporary crown. At the next visit, he removes this restoration and places a permanent porcelain crown.
This crown strengthens, protects and normalizes the appearance and bite of the restored tooth. Best of all, the tooth can return to full strength and longevity. The American Association of Endodontists says that a tooth that has had a root canal can last just as long as its neighbors.
Aftercare
After a successful root canal treatment, you must:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes
- Floss daily to remove bacteria-filled plaque
- Treat your restored tooth gently, avoiding teeth clenching and hard foods, such as caramels
- Get twice-yearly examinations and cleanings at Parker Dentistry
Come see us
At Parker Dentistry, you'll be well-cared for. Keep that injured or failing tooth through one of today's most reliable restorative treatments. Call Parker Dentistry today at (954) 983-5450.