Root Canal

Why Root Canal Therapy?

typical root canal treatment

Root canal therapy is a dental procedure used to treat an infection buried within the center of a tooth – an area known as the root canal. This is caused by a few different reasons, including:

  • Tooth decay
  • Fillings that have leaked
  • Damage to the tooth as a result of trauma or an injury
  • Root Canal & Root Canal Treatment

    The root canal area contains the soft tissue at the tooth’s center (known as the pulp) and extends between the tooth’s crown to the very end of the root. A common misconception is that a single tooth only has one root canal. In fact, a single tooth can have multiple root canals!

    The tooth’s pulp contains blood vessels and nerves and can quickly die when attacked by bacteria. The mouth is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, so they can quickly multiply and eventually pass out the end of the root canal through the tiny hole where the blood vessels and nerves enter. Once it’s reached this point, nothing can stop the bacteria from spreading and causing further issues such as dental abscesses. This can cause your whole face to swell and become extremely painful.

  • When Should Root Canal Treatment be Carried Out?

    Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp has become damaged by a bacterial infection. Although x-rays may be used to determine if damage is present, there are many other symptoms of a pulp infection, including:

    • A loose tooth
    • Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food or drink
    • Pain when biting or chewing

    Quite often, these symptoms disappear once the pulp has died. However, this means the infection has spread into the root canal system. It will be a matter of time before other symptoms develop, including:

    • Darkening of the tooth
    • Pain when biting or chewing
    • Swelling of the gum near the affected tooth
    • Pus or other fluid oozing from the tooth
    • Swelling of the face
  • How to Deal with an Infection

    Unfortunately, the pulp within your tooth cannot heal itself, and leaving the infected tooth in your mouth may make the infection worse. Root canal treatment is the only method of dealing with it – otherwise, your only option is to have the tooth removed entirely.

    Many people wonder why they aren’t prescribed antibiotics for pulp or root canal infections. This is because the active ingredients within the antibiotics can only work if they can reach the site of the infection through your blood. Antibiotic treatment is no longer possible if the bacteria have killed off the blood vessels,

  • Root Canal Procedure

    The procedure for a root canal is straightforward and performed under local anesthetic. You should not feel any pain.

    • An opening is made through the tooth’s crown so your dentist at Vero Dental Spa can access the pulp chamber.
    • Special files – known as endodontic files – are used to clean the infection and remove all unhealthy pulp from the canals.
    • Next, the canals will need to be shaped so they can be filled. During this process, your dentist will remove any remaining debris via irrigation.
    • The canals will then be filled with a permanent material known as gutta-percha. Once filled, the canals are much less prone to contamination or infection.
    • Your dentist will then rebuild your tooth using a temporary filling until a permanent crown or filling is ready for fitting. If preparation has been done ahead of time, you may receive a permanent cover right away.
    • It may be necessary to provide the crown with some additional support if you’re having one fitted over the affected tooth. This usually comes in the form of a small piece of metal inserted into the root next to the gutta-percha. This will help hold your new crown securely in place.
  • What if Root Canal Treatment is Unsuccessful?

    There are times when a root canal treatment is unsuccessful in treating an infection. In these instances, Vero Dental Spa can advise you further on other options, like dental implants.

Patient Reviews

What People Are Saying

Dr. Royal explains every procedure from start to finish

“Dr. Royal is a very experienced dentist. I found him by accident and glad I did. He explains every procedure from start to finish. I had very little discomfort. His staff is so friendly. I am impressed at how they work together so in sync. Again, I am so pleased to be able to give this feedback and I urge others who are seeking a great dental office to consider Vero Beach Dental Spa!”

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Dr. Royal is by far the gentlest dentist I ever had!

“I have had horrific experiences with dentists in the past but Dr. Royal and Vero Dental Spa are the best. When it comes to numbing shots, Dr. Royal is by far the most gentle I have ever had. I hate needles and he made it easy and virtually painless! I highly recommend Vero Dental Spa, you won't be disappointed!!!”

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Vero Dental Spa is the absolute best!!!

“I’ve always been afraid to go to the dentist but now, since my first time going I’m completely relaxed and the staff is incredible! ”

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The front desk was welcoming.

“Had a cleaning at Vero Dental Spa today. The front desk was welcoming. As usual in less than 5 minutes I was in the chair. Marlene the hygienist deserves a special mention; she was polite, professional, thorough and gentle. Check out was a breeze. This is a well run office.”

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Dr. Royal and the entire staff are welcoming

“Dr. Royal and the entire staff are welcoming, professional, and accommodating. Throw in genuine care and good humor. It all adds up to very positive experiences from beginning to end. Highly recommended!”

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Dr Royal was so pleasant and professional.

“The entire experience was wonderful. From reception to checkout with Kelly, Elizabeth and Lindsay… Everyone, including Dr Royal was so pleasant and professional. Truly refreshing !”

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Dr. Royal is very knowledgeable and a perfectionist

“I've been going here now about 2 years now. Dr. Royal is very knowledgeable and a perfectionist. He's very good at what he does nothing really more to say about it he's also very funny. I don't mind going to the dentist anymore!”

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Dr. Royal is by far the gentlest dentist I ever had!

“I have had horrific experiences with dentists in the past but Dr. Royal and Vero Dental Spa are the best. When it comes to numbing shots, Dr. Royal is by far the most gentle I have ever had. I hate needles and he made it easy and virtually painless! I highly recommend Vero Dental Spa, you won't be disappointed!!!”

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I highly recommend Vero Dental

“This office and its amazing staff has helped me work through treatment I have been putting off for years - I highly recommend Vero Dental and would not choose any other office.”

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Dr. Royal and the staff were amazing

“My first visit today, Dr. Royal and the staff were amazing friendly, professional and efficient!! I was welcomed warmly by everyone and felt like I have always been a patient there! Thank you to the team at Vero Dental Spa! See you soon!!”

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Everyone one was so nice and helpful

“Made my first visit to the Vero Dental Spa today and I was extremely satisfied. I was made to feel at ease. Everyone one was so nice and helpful. Going back tomorrow for a cleaning”

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Dr, Royal & all of his staff are truly amazing.

“From the moment you walk in the door you are put at ease, They take the time to explain everything to you, They go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and happy with the work they are doing. They truly are all artists that take pride in the work they do & the smiles they create. They are all wonderfully talented and incredibly passionate about what they do. Do your teeth the best favor you can ever do for them & make an appointment to see Dr Royal & the most awesome staff ever at Vero Dental Spa. Give yourself a reason to smile.”

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They work hard, and are a great office

“Great, Great, Great! The staff makes the office. Period. Kind staff, doctors are efficient and understanding. They work hard, and are a great office. The new electronic system helps keep things running even more smoothly too. Throughout the last ten years, they have come through shining.”

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I have finally found my favorite dentist!

“I have never had such a wonderful experience at the dentist! The staff was so friendly and sweet! Dr. Royal has a great sense of humor and put me at ease even in a dental emergency! I have found my favorite dentist, finally!! Thank you to the staff at Vero Dental Spa, look forward to seeing you again soon!”

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