Root Canal in Tampa
Removing the inflamed nerve from inside a tooth, so the tooth itself can stay.
Book a free consultationA root canal is when the nerve is removed from the tooth. This is necessary when the nerve, or pulp tissue, becomes inflamed or infected.
The tooth looks like a simple solid structure, when in fact it is a complex system of tissue that all have a special task. A lot like the root of a tree, the root canals in the tooth have a main root that branches off to smaller roots. This whole area needs to be sealed off properly to be successful and not cause problems later.
There is a great deal of precision and care needed to treat such small spaces within the tooth’s root canal. Ultrasonic equipment and specialized microscopes are what make that possible: the canal is cleaned out, seen properly, and sealed. The tooth is usually capped with a crown afterwards, because a treated tooth is more brittle than it was.
Who it suits
A root canal is for a tooth whose nerve is inflamed or infected but whose structure can still be restored. If the tooth can be saved then it is recommended to perform a root canal rather than tooth extraction.
That way your original tooth is saved and restored. Deep decay, a crack that has reached the pulp, and a tooth that throbs at night are the usual reasons. Where too little of the tooth is left to rebuild, an extraction is the honest answer instead.
Inflamed or infected pulp
Tooth still savable
Deep decay
What happens, step by step
Imaging
Dr. Moradian uses digital imaging in his Tampa office to pinpoint the severity of the root canal issues.
Anesthesia
Many people assume they will be in pain for the duration of the procedure. This is incorrect because your dentist uses local anesthesia.
Cleaning
Ultrasonic equipment and specialized microscopes are used to remove old fillings in the canal, visualize it, and seal the tooth properly.
Sealing
Once the procedure is completed he checks again to verify that everything is sealed properly.
Crown
A tooth that has had a root canal is brittle, so it is usually capped with a crown to give the structure back.
Root Canal questions
What is a root canal?
A root canal is when the nerve is removed from the tooth. This is necessary when the nerve, or pulp tissue, becomes inflamed or infected.
How long does a root canal take?
It commonly takes 30 minutes to an hour. If the case is more severe it could take around 90 minutes. Root canals typically require 2 sessions.
Does it hurt during the procedure?
Your dentist uses local anesthesia. You will have pain for much longer, and much more severe, if you do not get a root canal.
Is there pain afterwards?
Most patients explain that the tooth is tender or sensitive for a few days after the root canal procedure. In most cases, the sensitivity disappears after a couple of days.
When should I call about the pain?
In the unusual case that the pain persists longer than that, or you have an unbearable throbbing pain, contact the office and ask to be seen.
Root Canal across Tampa Bay
Patients travel from 25 towns across Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco. Pick the one nearest you for directions and local questions.
Hillsborough County
Pinellas County
Pasco County
Save a damaged tooth
A tooth that is cracked, decayed or aching can usually be saved. A crown protects a worn or cracked tooth and stops further decay, and a root canal treats it from the inside. Taking it out is the last option, not the first.