Root Canal Therapy in Maitland, FL
Root canal therapy can save a tooth when the soft tissue inside it, called the pulp, becomes infected, inflamed or badly damaged. At Maitland Square Dentistry, Dr. David Hazan provides root canal therapy to relieve pain, treat infection and preserve natural teeth whenever possible.
Understanding the dental pulp
The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. Bacteria can reach it through deep decay, cracks or other damage. If left untreated, the infection can worsen, cause an abscess or lead to tooth loss.
Dr. Hazan has nearly three decades of experience, has completed more than 5,000 root canal cases and has completed more than 1,000 hours of continuing education in endodontics.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?
Root canal therapy may be recommended when infection or inflammation reaches the inner portion of the tooth. Some infected teeth do not cause obvious discomfort at first. Possible warning signs include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness near a tooth
- A pimple or bump on the gums
- Tooth discoloration
- A cracked or heavily damaged tooth
- Signs of an abscess or infection
Not every symptom means a root canal
These symptoms do not always mean you need a root canal, so a dental evaluation is needed to determine the cause and the right treatment.
How Root Canal Treatment Saves a Tooth
Instead of removing the entire tooth, root canal treatment removes the infected or damaged tissue inside it, then cleans and seals the root canal system. The tooth can usually be restored afterward.
Saving a natural tooth helps preserve chewing function and alignment and can reduce the need for tooth replacement.
The Root Canal Therapy Process
Treatment begins with an examination, which may include X-rays, to assess the roots, the surrounding bone and the extent of the problem.
Local anesthesia numbs the area, and a small opening is made to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
The infected pulp is removed, and the canals are cleaned, disinfected, filled with gutta-percha (a biocompatible material) and sealed to help prevent reinfection. A crown is typically needed afterward.
Restoring Your Tooth After a Root Canal
A tooth that has had a root canal may be more prone to fracture, especially if decay or infection removed a significant amount of tooth structure. Dr. Hazan may recommend a dental crown or composite filling to protect the tooth and restore comfortable function in your bite.
Experienced Root Canal Treatment
Dr. Hazan brings nearly three decades of experience, more than 5,000 root canal cases and more than 1,000 hours of continuing education in endodontics. He also frequently treats emergency patients, patients seeking second opinions and patients with extensive or failed previous dental work.
Root Canal Therapy for Dental Emergencies
A severe tooth infection can cause significant pain and may need prompt care. Root canal therapy can address the source of an urgent problem while preserving the tooth. Severe pain or swelling may require an emergency appointment, and Dr. Hazan will determine whether a root canal, an extraction or another treatment is best.
Root Canals vs. Tooth Extraction
If a tooth can be predictably restored, a root canal may allow you to keep it. If the tooth is fractured, severely compromised or cannot be restored, extraction may be considered. Dr. Hazan has experience with both and explains your options before a decision is made.
Comfort During Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy treats the cause of the pain. Local anesthesia numbs the area, and our team works to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
Dr. Hazan has completed sedation dentistry training, and sedation may be available on request for patients with dental anxiety or who need extra support. Our approach is personalized and no-pressure, and we explain the findings, your options and each stage of treatment.
Frequently asked questions
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy removes infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. The canals are cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed, which often allows the tooth to be preserved.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Possible signs include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, swelling, discoloration or an abscess. These symptoms can have several causes, so an evaluation by a dentist is necessary.
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Local anesthesia numbs the area before treatment begins. The procedure removes the inflamed or infected tissue that may be causing your pain, and our team works to keep you comfortable.
How long does root canal therapy take?
It depends on the tooth, the number of canals and the complexity of the infection. Some cases are completed in one visit, while others need more than one. Dr. Hazan explains the expected timeline after your evaluation.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Many teeth, especially back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces, benefit from a crown after a root canal. In other cases, a different restoration may be appropriate. Dr. Hazan will recommend the best option for your tooth.
Can a root canal save an infected tooth?
In many cases, yes, as long as the tooth can still be restored.
Is a root canal better than extracting the tooth?
It depends on the condition of the tooth. A restorable tooth may be preserved with a root canal, while a tooth that cannot be saved may need to be extracted. The dentist explains both options when they apply.
What happens if an infected tooth is not treated?
The infection may worsen, cause more pain or swelling, form an abscess or affect the surrounding tissues. If you think you have a tooth infection, call us at (407) 234-4412 promptly.