This patient presented with failed root canals and a jawbone infection, necessitating the extraction of both front teeth. To preserve as much of her upper jawbone as possible, we performed bone grafts after extracting the teeth. Once she had fully healed, we utilized CAD/CAM software to meticulously plan her implant surgery on the computer. What we had anticipated to be a two-hour procedure was accomplished in just ten minutes, thanks to our advanced planning and precise execution of the tooth implant in Palm Beach Gardens. Following the implant placement, she underwent another healing period before we crafted custom crowns that seamlessly matched the shade and shape of her adjacent natural teeth. The patient expressed great satisfaction with the final outcome, as the implant-supported crowns appeared even more lifelike and natural than her original front teeth. Our team's expertise and commitment to utilizing the latest technologies ensured a successful and aesthetically pleasing result.
No one plans to have a dental emergency, and that’s why we offer affordable emergency dental exams, so you don’t need to wait to get the care you need to relieve your dental pain.
See real patient success stories.
To find the source of your dental pain, your dentist will begin by performing a comprehensive exam and review of your x-rays to get a complete picture of your oral health. If your tooth is infected, they will determine the extent of the infection to decide if root canal therapy will be an effective treatment. If you end up needing a root canal, your dentist will begin the therapy by numbing the treatment site, all the way down to the nerves.
Once you’re comfortable and fully numbed, your Palm Beach Gardens dentist will begin the process of removing any decayed or infected material. Beginning with the enamel, your dentist will move inwards, toward the pulp. Once the infected pulp has been cleared out, the canals will be cleaned and the area will be flushed with a special disinfectant to eliminate any remaining infection.
Once your tooth has been completely cleaned and sanitized, the interior will be filled with a rubber-like material called “gutta-percha.” An inert material, gutta-percha replaces the extracted pulp and helps to support the tooth and maintain its structure. Once the interior of the tooth has been filled, it will be restored with either a filling or a dental crown, depending on the extent of the decay, and how much healthy enamel remains.
Root canal therapy is usually covered, at least in part, by most dental insurance plans. However, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with your insurance provider to gain a thorough understanding of your benefits, and to find out what type of treatments are covered.
Root canal therapy is required if your tooth becomes infected, which most often happens one of three ways:
If left untreated, either situation will lead to the infection, decay, and eventual death of your tooth’s pulp. When the infection starts to take hold, you’ll likely begin experiencing an array of symptoms like a toothache, hot and cold sensitivity, throbbing, pain when biting, inflamed gums near the tooth, and tooth sensitivity.
Although it’s rare, root canal treatment can fail. If there is any remaining bacteria or decay left behind that wasn’t removed during the initial root canal, the tooth infection may return. If this happens to you, you’ll need to have another root canal to ensure the infection is completely removed and doesn’t have a chance to return again. And in some cases, failed root canals may require a tooth extraction.
While crowns are generally the best way to protect your tooth after a root canal, and are always the recommendation for your posterior teeth, they are not always necessary. If there is enough enamel left on front teeth that have gotten a root canal, a filling may be used instead of a crown.
No! Although it’s a common myth that root canal therapy hurts, it’s actually the toothache caused by infection that is painful. With modern dental techniques and technology, a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling.
Not only will your mouth be numbed completely, but you can also opt to have nitrous during the procedure. Overall, root canal therapy is the best way to alleviate the pain and discomfort of an infected tooth.