Root Canal Therapy for Orlando, FL
Root canals often have an undeserved reputation for being painful when in fact, they are pain-relieving and tooth-saving treatments. The treatment is typically necessary when there is an infection in the root of your tooth or trauma that affects the tooth’s structure.
At Anderson Family Dental, proudly serving Orlando, FL, Drs. Bryant and Kathleen Anderson provide gentle, expert root canal treatments to relieve discomfort and restore your oral health
How Do I Know I Need a Root Canal?
Signs Include:
✓ Tooth sensitivity or tooth pain
✓ Gum Swelling
✓ Blister on the Gum
✓ Swelling of the face or jaw
If you notice any of these changes in your oral health, it's important to contact our dental office promptly. A root infection can escalate from mild discomfort to severe pain in a short time, and we want to help you avoid unnecessary suffering.
In some cases, a root infection may cause little to no pain—this can happen if the nerve is already damaged or if the infection is in its early stages. These issues are often detected during routine dental exams, which is one reason why preventive care is so essential to your long-term oral health.
How is a Root Infection Diagnosed & Treated | Orlando, FL
ADVANCED 3D IMAGING FOR ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS
At Anderson Family Dental we utilize CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) technology to gain a comprehensive, 3D view of your dental structures. This advanced imaging provides more detailed and safer diagnostics compared to traditional X-rays, allowing for precise planning of your root canal treatment.
WE OFFER A MORE GENTLE APPROACH THAN PAST ROOT CANALS
If a root infection is detected, your dentist will gently numb the area and remove the infected tissue using advanced rotary or reciprocating endodontic instruments. These tools offer a more efficient, comfortable, and precise treatment than older techniques. If you've had traditional root canal therapy in the past, you’ll notice a significant difference with our modern approach.
RESTORING AND PROTECTING YOUR TOOTH
Once the infection is removed, the area is sealed with a temporary filling. After healing, you’ll return for a permanent restoration—either a durable filling or a custom dental crown—to strengthen and protect the treated tooth.
How to Prevent Root Infections & Tooth Trauma
Preventing oral health conditions, including root infections, is best done through preventive dentistry. Routine dental exams and professional teeth cleanings play a crucial role in your long-term oral health. Additionally, it’s important to brush and floss at least twice per day.
Root Canal Retreatment
WHEN ROOT CANAL RETREATMENT IS NEEDED
Though uncommon, there are instances when a root canal does not fully resolve the infection or fails to heal as expected. In such cases, retreatment may be necessary to preserve the tooth and address any lingering issues or complications.
Root canal retreatment involves carefully removing the existing crown and filling materials, thoroughly cleaning the root canals again, and then restoring the tooth with new sealing material and a replacement crown. The process is very similar to the initial root canal, with the added step of removing the prior restoration.
A BETTER OPTION THAN EXTRACTION
In many cases, retreatment is a preferable alternative to tooth extraction. As long as the tooth has strong bone support, a stable structure, and healthy surrounding gum tissue, it can often be saved and restored to full function—helping you maintain your natural smile.
If you believe you may require root canal retreatment, contact our office today for a thorough evaluation of your condition. After a comprehensive exam and consultation, our dentists at Anderson Family Dental, serving Orlando, FL, will guide you through the best treatment options to restore your oral health and tooth function.
Apicoectomy
An apicoectomy is a routine dental procedure. It is a procedure similar to a root canal but it removes just part of your root to clear inflammation, in order to save your natural tooth. It’s often called a root-end resection because it works on the end (or, tip) of your root called the apex.
WHY DO YOU NEED AN APICOECTOMY?
Your dentist may determine that a root-end surgery is necessary for a few reasons. The most common is to try to fix a tooth that’s already had a root canal.
Other reasons for the surgery can include:
▶ Removing calcium deposits in the root canal
▶ Finding and treating problems that aren't showing up on X-ray
▶ Treating a tooth with extra roots that can't be treated another way
▶ Treating bone loss that causes loose teeth
▶ Removing a root that has a hole
Apicoectomies are also commonly used for tooth injuries in children. If the tooth is fractured or cracked after an impact, this procedure can help save the tooth.
Internal Tooth Bleaching | Orlando, FL
When conventional teeth whitening methods are ineffective, internal tooth bleaching may offer the ideal solution. Unlike traditional whitening treatments that target the outer surface of your teeth—such as whitening trays or professional in-office applications—internal bleaching works from within the tooth to address discoloration.
This minor, minimally invasive procedure is often recommended for patients who have undergone root canal therapy and experience internal staining or darkening. Internal tooth bleaching can effectively restore a brighter, more natural-looking smile from the inside out.
DOES INTERNAL BLEACHING WORK ON A DEAD TOOTH?
Yes, internal tooth bleaching is an effective treatment for dead teeth. This procedure is especially suitable for teeth that have lost vitality due to trauma, impact, grinding, infection, or other factors. Since dead teeth no longer receive blood flow, the breakdown of red blood cells inside the tooth can cause discoloration, similar to how bruises form beneath the skin. Internal bleaching helps to restore the tooth’s natural color from within.
INTERNAL TOOTH BLEACHING PROCEDURE
The process begins with a dental x-ray to assess the extent of discoloration and identify the underlying cause. If the staining is due to diseased or damaged pulp, a root canal will be performed to remove the damaged area and a whitening paste will be applied during the procedure to remove stains.
For teeth that have already undergone root canal therapy, the stains can be removed by making a small hole in the back of the tooth to gain access to the stain and remove it. The hole will be carefully filled after treatment.
ACHIEVING THE DESIRED SHADE
Once the whitening agent is applied inside the tooth, your dentist will monitor the progress and remove the paste once the desired shade is achieved. This process may take several days. Once finished, we seal your tooth to ensure long-lasting results.
When an Infected Tooth Becomes a Dental Emergency
Ignoring the symptoms of tooth pain or letting time pass after chipping your tooth allows for bacteria and infection to grow and it may become a dental emergency if left untreated, causing extreme pain and even fever.
At Anderson Family Dental, Drs. Bryant and Kathleen Anderson are committed to providing care when you need it most—even outside of regular office hours. If you’re in or near Orlando, FL and experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. Contact our office today—we’re here to help.