Root Canal Therapy in Merritt Island, FL at My Island Dental

Overview

When caught early, tooth decay is addressed with a standard filling or something similar to remove the decay and close off the area. But when the decay expands beyond the outer tooth and infects the inner portion of the tooth, you will need a root canal. Also known as an endodontic treatment, root canal therapy at My Island Dental requires the removal of the infected pulp from the tooth, cleans the cavity, and then fills and seals the tooth. Family dentist Dr. Huy Tran may recommend a root canal to his Merritt Island, FL patients because it treats the infection and keeps the decay from spreading to other teeth and creating larger problems.

If you suspect you may benefit from root canal therapy, we understand if you have reservations about having this procedure. Though root canals are common dental treatments, patients often put off going to the dentist to address tooth pain because of dental anxiety. Dr. Tran and his staff will do their very best to make sure you are at ease and comfortable, but we also offer several methods of sedation dentistry dentistry for relief of dental fear and anxiety. Call My Island Dental to schedule a consult with Dr. Tran for more information on sedation dentistry and root canals.

Best Candidates

Infection that reaches the pulp of your tooth can be the result of a deep crack or cavity in the tooth, or a physical injury. Some of the most common signs that you may have an infected tooth are tooth pain, jaw pain, swollen and discolored gums, and discoloration of the affected tooth. If the infected pulp is not removed, it will become increasingly painful as the infection spreads to other parts of your mouth. Set up an appointment at My Island Dental as soon as you feel something abnormal in your mouth. If you have anxieties and reservations about going to the dentist, don’t hesitate to ask us about sedation dentistry to help you remain calm and at ease during your exam and treatment.

What To Expect

Prior to the procedure, your anesthetic/sedation options will be discussed with Dr. Tran. We do not want you to feel fearful, anxious or on-edge during your appointment. Many individuals request nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral-conscious sedation to get them through a root canal. Dr. Tran is very understanding about dental anxieties and attempts to help you make the appropriate decision on how to proceed.

To perform an endodontic procedure, Dr. Tran will assess the innermost part of your tooth and then carefully remove the infected pulp. From there, the inner chamber will be thoroughly cleaned to remove remaining debris. Once it is cleaned, the tooth is filled with a dental filler to seal and protect it from further decay.

Recovery

Subject to what sedation was used, you might need to have a responsible adult take you home following your procedure. You should expect your mouth to feel tender or swollen, however this should not last more than a few days and can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. You should schedule a follow-up appointment for about six months post-procedure. Dr. Tran will examine the area to see that the infection is gone and that there is no cause for concern. After that, you should continue to schedule annual dental checkups and twice yearly dental cleanings to optimize your oral health.

Insurance Coverage

During your consultation, Dr. Tran will go over cost estimates to align your treatments with your health needs and your budget. If you have dental insurance, we will contact your provider to determine your benefits. If you do not have dental insurance, My Island Dental accepts many payment methods and we can assist you in finding medical financing options.