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Spanish Root Canal Treatment in Tampa, FL
When people think of root canal treatments, they typically picture the cartoonish portrayal of a painful, torturous procedure we too often see in old movies and on TV. In reality, the technique and technology used today for root canal treatment make it a relatively simple, straightforward process that doesn’t resemble its outdated stereotype.
The goal of a root canal is to preserve a damaged tooth and stop the spread of infection before it becomes more serious. When candidates for a root canal complain of pain, it’s typically due to an infection affecting the pulp containing the nerves. A root canal treatment is designed to relieve this pain rather than cause it.
If you are experiencing pain and inflammation that you think might stem from an infected tooth, schedule an appointment with us at Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions. Dr. Cabrera can evaluate the problem and, if needed, skillfully perform a root canal treatment.
The Need for Root Canal Treatment
When the inner parts of a tooth are exposed to bacteria due to a deep cavity or dental trauma, it can become infected. If this infection isn’t treated, it spreads to the layer beneath the enamel and dentin, known as the pulp. The pulp chamber houses blood vessels and nerve endings, and this chamber extends through canals that reach the tooth’s root—hence the term “root canal.”
Once an infection has spread this far, we need to remove the pulp in order to preserve the tooth and restore its function. Root canal treatment, more commonly known as a root canal, eliminates the bacterial infection from the canals inside the pulp.
The goal of a root canal is to save the tooth from extraction and prevent the spread of further infection. However, if left untreated for too long, the infected tooth can become so damaged that it cannot be saved. In these cases, we can extract the tooth and replace it with a mini dental implant and artificial crown that covers the implant permanently.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
Several symptoms may indicate you need root canal treatment, including:
- Constant tooth pain that may spread to the jaw
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
- Discolored teeth, especially a dark grey color
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- A pus-filled abscess that looks like a pimple on the gums
- Tender, swollen, or red gums
- Loose teeth due to bone softening
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions to schedule an appointment. Dr. Cabrera will evaluate your teeth and surrounding tissues to determine if a root canal is needed.
Remember that regular dental visits help us monitor your oral health and prevent issues from developing. Appointments every six months allow us to remove plaque and tartar, assess the condition of your teeth and gums, and address any potential concerns in their early stages.
Benefits of Root Canals
In many cases, getting a root canal allows us to save the infected tooth. This means your natural smile stays intact, and no further procedures like a tooth extraction are required. At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, our goal is to repair teeth whenever possible and replace extracted teeth quickly and efficiently. By replacing missing teeth promptly, we can prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and affecting your natural alignment. Misaligned teeth are more susceptible to bacteria accumulation that can trigger reinfection.
The primary advantage of a root canal procedure is the removal of infected pulp from the tooth. This not only benefits the affected tooth but also contributes to the overall health of the adjacent teeth and gums. Without treatment, an infection can lead to a painful abscess, a pocket of pus that has the potential to spread to other parts of the mouth and body.
Finally, successful root canal treatment can prevent more costly or complex procedures in the future. A root canal is usually done in less than an hour, though the duration depends on the level of infection. Thanks to modern dental advancements, this procedure is straightforward and effective. Despite the myths about root canals, the procedure is practically painless. Treating the problem sooner rather than later can save you both time and unnecessary discomfort in the future.
The Root Canal Process
The first step in a root canal treatment is to schedule an appointment with Dr. Cabrera. She will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and take X-rays to evaluate the level of infection.
When it’s time for the treatment to begin, Dr. Cabrera will apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Then, she will place a rubber dam in your mouth to isolate the tooth and keep it dry. After the tooth is completely isolated, Dr. Cabrera will drill a small hole in the top of the tooth to access and remove the infected pulp.
Once the pulp is removed, she will clean and disinfect the pulp chamber. To fill the empty chamber, Dr. Cabrera uses a putty-like material called gutta-percha. The last step is sealing the tooth with a filling, although Dr. Cabrera may recommend a custom crown if extra protection is necessary.
Recovery and Aftercare
One benefit of modern root canals is that the recovery process is swift, usually taking just a few days. After the procedure, we recommend eating softer foods such as yogurt, soup, and pasta. If you’re feeling soreness or lingering pain, you can use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs. You should also avoid chewing especially hard foods on the side where you had the root canal as you recover. These measures encourage proper healing.
Long-term care includes maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine. Brush and floss regularly, and pay special attention to removing food particles around the affected tooth. Habits like chewing ice, biting nails, and grinding or clenching can all put extra wear and tear on your teeth. If you suffer from nighttime bruxism, talk to Dr. Cabrera about using a nightguard.
Does Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment?
Dental insurance commonly covers root canal treatment, although the covered amount is specific to your policy. Our office manager, Viviana, will help you understand your coverage and file a claim with your provider. If you need to finance out-of-pocket costs, we work with multiple financing companies to make the cost of treatment affordable. These third-party lenders offer plans with low introductory rates and various term lengths to meet your budgeting needs.
Get Rid of Tooth Pain with Root Canal Treatment
Worsening tooth pain, inflamed gums, or noticeable discoloration could all be signs that you need a root canal. Prompt root canal treatment can alleviate tooth pain, eliminate infection, and save your tooth from extraction. With over two decades of experience providing high-quality dental care to residents in Tampa, FL, you can trust Dr. Cabrera to resolve your infection fast.
At Tampa Bay Mini Dental Implant Solutions, you’ll receive compassionate service from the moment you walk into the office until the moment you leave with healthy teeth. So, don’t wait to restore your smile! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.