Unpopular opinion: root canals are not as bad as they sound. There are many myths surrounding this procedure, especially that root canals are complex and painful. But modern root canals don’t deserve the bad rap.
At Dr. Patty Miami, we offer options that can eliminate any fear or anxiety you may be experiencing about your endodontic treatment. And thanks to advances in modern dentistry, root canals today aren’t any more painful than getting a regular cavity filling.
It All Starts With A Toothache
Your smile is your best accessory, so you naturally want your teeth to last a lifetime. But sometimes, a cavity or injury can allow bacteria to seep inside the tooth and cause an infection.
These infections usually start at the pulp of your tooth, which is the soft area within teeth that harbor networks of nerves and blood vessels. When left untreated, tooth infections may spread to the surrounding tissues and cause tooth loss and other oral health problems.
The hallmark symptom of a tooth infection is pain. You may also notice that the area around the affected tooth is swollen and feels warm. Other signs and symptoms that you may need a root canal include:
- Sudden pain even when you’re not eating or drinking
- Swollen or tender gums
- Extreme sensitivity to cold and/or heat
- Toothache that worsens when you apply pressure or touch the area
- Tooth appears darkened or discolored
Toothaches should never be ignored. If you are unsure about the symptoms you are experiencing, call us or schedule an appointment online with an endodontist at Dr. Patty Miami today.
Why Choose Dr. Patty?
For Consultation Call Now: (305) 735-3002
Excellent dental care and outstanding customer service are not the only things that set us apart. At Dr. Patty Miami, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond the mark to offer our clients an upscale, anxiety-free experience at every visit.
Discover the exclusive perks offered at Dr. Patty Miami:
Numbness reversal
Numbness can be limiting, affecting one’s speech, smile, and ability to drink after a visit. Dr. Patty’s reversal process allows clients to leave the dental boutique and carry on with their day as if nothing happened, so you don’t have to worry about canceling your engagements after your procedure.
Laser
The professionals at Dr. Patty Miami are committed to your health and wellness. That’s why we use lasers to offer a safe, anxiety-free dental experience without drills and scalpels. This innovative laser technology has several advantages, including minimal intervention and, in most cases, little-to-no anesthesia.
Sedation dentistry
Multiple options for a more comfortable and nerve-free experience.
Personal Concierge Service
We can arrange everything from RedCap or limo transportation to and from your appointment to making nearby lunch or dinner reservations for after your appointment.
Advanced Digital Surround X-Rays
Minimal exposure, more precise, and digitally stored for your convenience.
State-of-the-art technologies and facilities
Complimentary wine & Nespresso coffee bar, hot towel service, temple massage therapy, paraffin treatments, music & movie selections are just a few of the amenities you’ll find at our ultra-chic, upscale facilities.
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Saving An Infected Tooth
At Dr. Patty Miami, helping you achieve a flawless, healthy smile is our top priority. That’s why we strive to do everything possible to save your natural teeth.
Enter: the root canal.
You may have heard horror stories from friends and family about how excruciating and difficult root canals are. But in truth, today’s root canals are minimally invasive procedures that can save a badly damaged tooth — and they actually make you feel better!
The goal of a root canal treatment is to avoid tooth loss by removing bacteria and dead tissue from within your tooth. Luckily, this procedure has evolved into a relatively comfortable treatment that involves almost no pain at all.
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Getting To The Root Of The Problem
A typical root canal therapy can be completed in as little as two visits to Dr. Patty Miami. During your first visit, your board-certified endodontist will take digital images of your teeth and gums to carefully examine the affected tooth. Then, local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding gums.
Although you won’t feel anything during your procedure under local anesthesia, we offer an extensive menu of anxiety-management options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, and oral medications to help you feel more calm and relaxed during treatment.
After your tooth is numb and you are comfortably settled into our velvety-smooth chair with your favorite TV shown on, you can expect the root canal procedure to go as follows:
Pulp Removal
Using a small tool, your endodontist will create a small opening at the top of the affected tooth. This will reveal the infected or damaged pulp and nerves, which your dentist will carefully remove using special tools called files. Then, the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Sealing
When the tooth and canals are clean, the area is filled with a rubber-like substance called “gutta-percha.” This biocompatible sealer fills the root canal to prevent the site from getting infected again. Then, we apply a temporary BPA-free resin material to fill in the remainder of the abscess hole and keep the area sterile.
Medication And Restoration
Your endodontist might prescribe antibiotic medications to make sure the infection clears up correctly. They will also give you instructions on how to care for your tooth after treatment.
After the pulp is removed, your tooth becomes more brittle and vulnerable to fractures. In most cases, we will recommend a [crown] to provide strength and stability. At Dr. Patty Miami, we use all-ceramic crowns or [CEREC crowns] because they provide the most support while achieving the most aesthetically pleasing and natural-looking results.
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After Your Root Canal Therapy
It’s important to take care of your gums and teeth, especially after a root canal. We will schedule you for a follow-up visit to ensure the tooth is healing nicely and all signs of infection are gone. After that visit, you will need to make sure you see us for routine exams and cleaning at least twice a year.
At home, keep your smile healthy by making oral hygiene a part of your daily routine. We recommend using a Sonicare toothbrush to brush your teeth twice per day, as well as flossing at least once daily, and rinsing with an antibiotic mouthwash if recommended.
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy
It’s important to take care of your gums and teeth, especially after a root canal. We will schedule you for a follow-up visit to ensure the tooth is healing nicely and all signs of infection are gone. After that visit, you will need to make sure you see us for routine exams and cleaning at least twice a year.
At home, keep your smile healthy by making oral hygiene a part of your daily routine. We recommend using a Sonicare toothbrush to brush your teeth twice per day, as well as flossing at least once daily, and rinsing with an antibiotic mouthwash if recommended.
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