Root Canal Treatment in Brandon, FL

We have all heard the age-old saying, “I’d rather have a root canal!” when talking about something that is sure to be incredibly unpleasant. While there may have been some truth to that statement in the past, these days root canals are comparable to having a routine tooth filling.

At Walker & Barr, DMD, we understand that lingering doubts about root canal treatment can cause anxiety for some patients. Our dentists in Brandon, FL, are very gentle and compassionate and want you to know that a root canal is not something to fear.

We perform a root canal to relieve your pain and save a tooth from extraction. To understand how a root infection develops, it’s helpful to know the parts of a tooth and what they do.

The visible portion of a tooth is a hard enamel layer that allows you to chew comfortably. Dentin is the softer layer beneath that protects the area deep inside the tooth called the pulp chamber.

Pulp is a soft material that houses the nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that keep the tooth alive. Bacteria can enter the tooth pulp chamber and cause an infection due to:

• A deep cavity
• A crack in the tooth
• Dental trauma
• Large silver fillings
• Repeated dental procedures

During root canal treatment in Brandon, our dentists remove the infected pulp, sterilize the hollowed-out chamber, and seal and fill the tooth to protect it as it heals.

After a two-week healing period, our dentists will check the tooth to ensure the infection is eliminated. Because they remove the tooth’s inner portion, it can become brittle and prone to cracking. This is why we typically recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth and restore chewing function.

Signs and symptoms that indicate you might need root canal therapy are:

• A dull toothache or excruciating pain
• Jaw pain or swelling
• Gum swelling or tenderness
• Extreme, lingering sensitivity to hot and cold
• Sensitivity to touch
• An abscess or whitish bump on the gums
• An awful taste in your mouth

Using strong anesthetics and leading-edge dental technology, our dentists perform root canal treatment with no more discomfort than placing a tooth filling. When you follow up with routine dental exams and cleanings, you can expect the tooth to function well for many years.

If you experience severe tooth pain and think you may need emergency root canal treatment, please contact our dentists in Brandon, FL, at (813) 689-5928 for an evaluation. It is crucial to seek prompt treatment if you have any of the symptoms above. A root canal infection can quickly spread to other parts of the body and even become life-threatening.

Please contact Walker & Barr, DMD, and we will ensure that you receive prompt treatment to save the tooth and protect your oral health and well-being.