Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment can save an infected tooth from otherwise certain extraction—it’s a proven procedure that will leave your mouth healthy and strong while restoring its natural appearance.

Root Canal Treatment in Jacksonville & Orange Park, FL

A tooth’s inner structure consists of a soft, delicate material called the pulp. This material is normally protected by the tough enamel material that surrounds it. However, a potentially serious infection can occur if harmful bacteria are able to access the inside pulp. This happens occasionally due to deep cavities or unexpected injuries. If you don’t receive treatment, you could likely lose your tooth. Root canal treatment is a great solution to overcome a serious inner tooth infection.

Root canals can be scary as there’s a common myth about how painful they can be. At Normandy Lake, we’ll ensure your root canal is pain-free, we offer dental sedation for all treatments so you have a relaxing visit, every time.

Illustration of a tooth cross-section showing the interior nerves and capillaries that extend in the roots
  • How do I know if I need a root canal?

    Coursing through every tooth’s center is a vital bundle of nerves and blood vessels that provide nutrients and sensation to each tooth. As long as the tooth stays healthy, you’re rarely aware of the systems at work.

    But pain rapidly changes your awareness in any part of the body. Tooth pain can be especially alarming, and it’s meant to warn you that something’s not right. Pain tells us that the bundle of nerves and vessels inside your tooth is irritated, damaged, or under attack.

    A deep cavity can give bacteria access to the inner nerve bundle. A crack extending into the same region can create stress that will need additional care to relieve. In some cases, a significant infection may develop in your jaw without any symptoms at all. If your dentist determines that the nerve won’t recover or infection is present, then root canal treatment may be suggested.

  • What are alternatives to root canal treatment?

    Most people facing root canal treatment are curious as to whether there are alternative procedures worth considering. Since endodontic therapy is considered a “last line of defense” for restoring your tooth, the only remaining options are to have your tooth extracted or wait until you’re in pain and have it removed at a later date. Unfortunately, with either of these options, you risk the infection spreading deeper into your face or adjacent teeth. Getting a root canal is the best possible solution.

    If you opt to have your tooth extracted, there’s still the concern of replacing it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the extra space in your bite can throw off the alignment of your surrounding teeth. Two of the more common replacement options include a dental bridge or implant.

  • What is pulpotomy?

    If you experience sensitivity or constant pain, or if the tissue around a tooth is swollen and painful, you may have pulp damage. Damage to the interior living part of the tooth can occur because of trauma, decay or other infection. The ‘pulp’ refers to the live part of the tooth.

    If the pulp is damaged, it is important to retain as much of the living pulp as possible, while also treating the infection or removing any damaged sections. One way we do this is with a pulpotomy.

    A pulpotomy can be performed if the pulp root is unaffected, and just the tip of the pulp is damaged. If the root is healthy we will remove all the decay and then place material over the remaining pulp to protect it. Finally we will place a crown.

    A pulpectomy, more commonly known as a root canal is performed if the damage has extended into the tooth root, we will need to remove all of the pulp extending into the root.

What are you waiting for?

We strive to provide high-quality dental care. Come see us to discuss root canal treatment today.

Normandy Lake Dentistry at Normandy

7885 Normandy Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL 32221
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Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 10am - 6pm

Normandy Lake Dentistry at Lakewood

2845 University Blvd W.
Jacksonville, FL 32217
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Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday, Thursday: 10am - 6pm

Phone

904-293-2520

Normandy Lake Dentistry at Orange Park

1580 Wells Rd. STE 20
Orange Park, FL 32073
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Hours

Tuesday / Thursday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday / Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm