Root Canal Treatment in Tampa, FL

A root canal infection is one of the most severe oral conditions caused by decaying dental pulp. The root canal is a central cavity present in all-natural teeth. It houses the dental pulp, which comprises nerves and blood vessels that provide nutrition and sensation to the teeth. When the microbes in the mouth gain entry into the root canal cavity, they can release toxic substances that severely infect the pulp and put the entire tooth at risk of being extracted.

What causes root canal infection?

Cavities: The most common cause of root canal infection is cavities. When patients do not get their cavities treated and restored at the early stages, they can advance to the deeper layers and finally infect the dental pulp.

External trauma: When you accidentally fall or take a hard blow to the mouth, your teeth may crack or chip and expose the dental pulp to the microbes. This can cause a root canal infection.

Gum diseases: Gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis can affect the tooth roots and underlying jawbone. The microbes from the gum tissues can enter the root canal through the tooth roots.

What are its symptoms?

• The infected tooth can turn dark in color due to the decayed pulp within.
• The gum tissues around the tooth may decay, recede below the gum line, discharge pus, and bleed.
• When you bite and chew food, the infected tooth will pain severely. Even brushing the teeth may seem highly painful.
• In the advanced stages, the microbes can affect the jawbone and deteriorate it. Due to this, the tooth may loosen from its socket.
• Patients experience severe bad breath throughout the day due to the discharge of pus.

How is a root canal infection treated?

The dentist visually examines the tooth and takes a digital x-ray of the oral cavity to determine its severity. The teeth will be cleaned thoroughly, and a rubber dam is placed on the teeth to isolate the infected one. High-precision dental instruments are used to make a small hole in the tooth to access the infected pulp. Thin dental files are inserted into it, and the infected tissues are extracted. The walls of the root canal cavity will be scrubbed thoroughly, and the debris will be washed away using a jet of water. The tooth will be restored using a dental crown, which is bonded in place with the help of dental adhesives.

Please schedule an online appointment with Dentist in Tampa FL or call us at (813) 999-1092 to have a consultation with Dr. Gubernick, and we will be happy to help.