Fort Myers, Florida
Root Canal Therapy
Relieving infection while preserving your natural tooth.
Overview
Understanding root canal therapy
Root canal therapy treats infection or inflammation inside a tooth. The inner tissue is removed, the canal system is cleaned and sealed, and the tooth is restored.
The goal is comfort and preservation: keeping your natural tooth is generally preferable to removing it.
Benefits
- Addresses the source of dental pain
- Preserves natural tooth structure and spacing
- Prevents infection from progressing
- Restores normal chewing once the final crown is placed
Who is a candidate?
- Patients with lingering sensitivity to heat or cold
- Teeth with deep decay, cracks, or trauma
- Patients with swelling or a dental abscess
The procedure, step by step
- 1DiagnosisTesting and radiographs identify the affected tooth and extent of infection.
- 2AnesthesiaThe area is fully numbed before treatment begins.
- 3Cleaning and shapingInflamed tissue is removed and the canal system is disinfected.
- 4SealingCanals are filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
- 5Final restorationA crown or other restoration protects the tooth long term.
Recovery and aftercare
- Tenderness for a few days as inflammation settles
- Over-the-counter pain relief is often sufficient
- Avoid chewing on the tooth until the final restoration is placed
- Every patient heals differently. Personalized root canal instructions should come from the dentist who provides your care, and that office is the right place to call if questions come up.
FAQ
Root Canal Therapy questions
Keep learning about dental health
This historical practice and dental education website does not offer appointments. For care, please contact a licensed dentist near you.