Severely infected or damaged teeth require immediate treatment if they are going to be saved. A root canal is a common procedure used by our Jacksonville and Live Oak, FL, dentists to handle this type of situation as it effectively relieves pain felt and prevents the need for tooth extraction. While root canals may sound scary, they’re as routine as a filling thanks to modern technology.
Keep reading to learn more about and when it’s the right move.
Top Reasons for a Root Canal
In terms of tooth anatomy, “pulp” is very important. Basically, pulp is the innermost portion of the tooth that consists of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. This soft tissue can unfortunately become inflamed or infected for a variety of reasons and when this happens, it’s up to our dentists to take action for the sake of your tooth.
Generally, root canals are needed because of:
- Extensive decay
- A history of repeated procedures performed on the same tooth
- A dental crown that’s come loose or broken exposing the tooth underneath
- A chipped or cracked tooth that’s been made vulnerable to bacteria
Does Root Canal Treatment Take Long?
Unless there ends up being a widespread infection, most root canal appointments can be completed in one visit and last about 30-60 minutes. Larger teeth with more roots can extend the time taken to address the issue but our dentists will brief you on all that is required before getting started with the procedure.
Make an Appointment ASAP
It is the goal of our , to save all natural teeth if possible. One way to do that is with root canal therapy. Call one of our Higgins & White Dentistry locations today to request an appointment and get the dental care you need.