13
May
Getting To The Root Of Root Canals
Many fear the words “root canal.” To paraphrase former President Franklin Roosevelt, “the only thing you have to fear is fear itself.” Today, advances in treatment and technology make a root canal a relatively comfortable and painless procedure.
Why Have a Root Canal?
When the pulp that is inside the enamel outer layer of your tooth becomes infected with bacteria due to injury or untreated cavities, your body alerts you through swelling or pain in the area. Left untreated, a severe infection could cause damage to the bone around the tooth, putting you at high risk of losing the tooth completely.
Fortunately, once a tooth is fully developed, it doesn’t need that inner pulp because it gets nutrients from the surrounding tissues. This means the infected pulp can be removed, allowing us here at Dental Care of Boca Raton the opportunity to save the tooth.
The Process
Imaging is done to obtain a clear picture of the tooth and surrounding bone, and a plan is formulated. For the root canal, local anesthesia will be applied so the procedure itself will be painless. During the root canal:
- A protective layer is placed over the tooth to keep it clean and dry.
- An opening is made in the crown of the tooth, and the infected pulp is removed.
- Once cleaned of infection and dried, the tooth cavity will be filled with a compound to protect the tooth. Sometimes, medication will be put in the chamber to fight a stubborn infection. The opening in the crown is closed with a temporary filling.
- To restore function and strength to the tooth, we will finish the treatment in a subsequent visit by replacing the temporary filling with a permanent crown or similar restorative. If the prior damage to the tooth was extensive, a post may be inserted in the tooth for structural support before installing the crown.
When you consider that a root canal literally is a tooth-saving procedure, it’s worth a little potential discomfort. With proper care, your restored tooth could last your lifetime.
Our goal is to relieve your pain and, whenever possible, to save your teeth. We serve patients in Boca Raton, Florida, and the surrounding areas, so contact our office today and together we can come up with a treatment plan that will allow you to enjoy a beautiful and healthy smile.
Best,
The Dental Care of Boca Raton Team
Dr. Carlos Villacis
Dr. Carlos Villacis, originally from Ecuador and raised in Miami, Florida, is a compassionate and skilled dentist with a focus on restorative and pediatric care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Maryland and his Bachelor’s in Biology from Florida International University. Dr. Villacis has practiced in private clinics, refining his expertise in patient care. His dedication to serving underserved populations, including his work with the Limited Income Uninsured Children Program, demonstrates his commitment to making quality dental care accessible. You can trust Dr. Villacis to provide attentive, high-quality care for every patient.
Dr. Erisa Sam
Dr. Erisa Sam is a highly trained Southern California dentist passionate about delivering exceptional care. A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, she continued her dental education at Midwestern University, specializing in cosmetic, general, and laser dentistry. Her numerous awards, including the Digital Dentistry Award and extensive research contributions, showcase her expertise. Dr. Sam is strongly committed to patient welfare, having volunteered in numerous dental outreach programs. Patients can rely on Dr. Sam’s precision and dedication to ensuring they receive the highest quality, personalized dental care.
Dr. Mehulkumar Ardeshana
Dr. Mehulkumar Ardeshana, known as “Dr. A” is a skilled dentist with over a decade of experience, known for his commitment to patient care and advanced dental techniques. He earned his dental degree with honors in India and continued his education at Nova Southeastern University, where he graduated first in his class. Specializing in root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced implantology, Dr. Ardeshana is a member of the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. His patient-centered philosophy ensures you receive trustworthy, effective, and high-quality care tailored to your needs.
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