Root Canal Treatment in North Miami Beach, FL
Remove Bacteria While Preserving Your Tooth
Cavities that are left untreated can infect the inside of your tooth. This can cause severe symptoms including persistent pain and toothaches. To ensure a healthy smile that’s protected from infection, root canal treatment may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Most patients think that this type of procedure is painful — that simply isn’t true. On top of being simple and straightforward, a root canal can save your infected tooth from being extracted.
Dr. Abbo and our team of dentists have the expertise needed to help improve their patients’ smile in the North Miami Beach community. On top of that, our practice also welcomes people who live in the Norland, Ojus, and Keystone Islands areas.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a procedure that can both save and preserve a severely infected tooth. When the inside of your tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected, your smile can gradually become weaker. Our dentists can prevent your tooth from being removed by completely disinfecting it. While some people believe root canals are drawn out, painful, and uncomfortable, recent advancements in dental technology have streamlined this procedure.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment offers a variety of advantages besides saving your tooth. Along with preserving your smile, the procedure can also protect it from further complications. Other types of benefits with root canal treatment include:
- Maintaining the structure of your face
- Preserving your jaw health
- Keeping your jawbone stimulated
- Restoring the ability to eat, drink, and smile
- Allowing for a dental crown
Apicoectomy
Your dentist will recommend an apicoectomy only when a prior root canal treatment has failed. Apicoectomy is a form of retrograde root canal treatment where part of a tooth’s root is removed when there’s a cavity present at the end. Your molars and premolars tend to have several roots, whereas the front incisors only have one. The tip of each root is known as the apex, which is the place where the nerves and blood vessels enter the tooth.
An apicoectomy preserves your infected tooth’s function while saving it from extraction. It is used to eliminate the infection in the tissues of your tooth and entails covering the area with a filling to prevent any risk of re-infection.
Reasons for an Apicoectomy
Unless a prior root canal treatment has failed, your dentist will rarely consider the procedure. Several other reasons why an apicoectomy may be necessary include:
- Small Adjoining Root Branches: Roots contain many tiny branches. If these cannot be cleaned and sealed during root canal treatment, it can cause inflammation.
- Blocked Root Canal: Your dentist may be unable to effectively clean a root if it’s blocked by a fractured file left behind from prior root canal treatment.
- Narrow or Curved Root Canals: When your tooth’s root is poorly shaped, the endodontic files can’t reach the tip, causing the infection to persist.
The Apicoectomy Process
Your dentist will provide you with an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication to treat the underlying tooth infection. Panoramic X-rays will also be taken to help plan for the apicoectomy, which will be performed under general anesthesia.
The procedure will begin with a small incision in the gums to expose the root. A tiny piece of your jawbone may also be removed in some cases. An ultrasonic instrument will be used to help remove the edge of the roof tip and any infected tissue. The root will then be sealed with a filling material while your gums will be sultured with several stitches. An apicoectomy will not require staying overnight and a list of aftercare instructions will be provided.
Your dentist will remove your stitches several days after the procedure, with the connective tissues fully healing within several months. If you experience pain or swelling, we recommend you call our office at (305) 945-0909 for further dental care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment is painless since your dentist will administer a local anesthetic before starting the procedure. Our staff will also monitor your condition during your appointment to help ensure you’ll feel as comfortable as possible. In fact, most of our patients compare undergoing root canal treatment as if they’re getting a filling.
How long does root canal treatment last?
The results of your root canal treatment can last a lifetime with proper care. The goal of treatment is to remove the infected part of your tooth to prevent any reinfection. It’s important to maintain a diligent oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling biannual appointments at our North Miami Beach office. That way, your dentist will be able to check on the health of your smile.
Can root canal treatment cause headaches?
Root canal treatment is not known to cause headaches in most cases. However, one of the symptoms from having an infected tooth is persistent headaches. While some dental issues can cause headaches, this can be prevented by undergoing treatment to improve your oral health. If you’ve undergone root canal treatment recently and still have a headache, we recommend you call your primary care physician right away.
Will insurance cover root canal therapy?
Most insurance companies will cover a portion of your root canal treatment. Our North Miami Beach office recommends contacting your provider so you can get an accurate understanding of your policy. Dr. Abbo will be able to provide you with an estimate of your treatment during your initial consultation. We also offer financing options to help make your procedure more affordable.
Save Your Tooth With Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is a virtually painless process thanks to advancements in dental technology. Dr. Abbo and our team of dentists are dedicated to preserving your oral health and ensuring your teeth are safe for many years to come. That way, you smile with confidence in knowing that none of your pearly whites will have to be removed.
To learn more about how you can benefit from our treatment options, contact our North Miami Beach office by calling (305) 945-0909 or by filling out our online contact form. Our practice proudly serves patients who live in the Norland, Ojus, and Keystone Islands areas.