Root Canal Lake Mary, FL
A root canal is a treatment to remove inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth, clean and shape the canal, and Dr. Akmal Ahmed, DDS, performs root canal treatment in Lake Mary, Florida. At Orlando Healthy Smiles, Dr. Akmal Ahmed uses Dentsply Sirona, SybronEndo, Kerr, FKG Dentaire and VDW systems to seal the canal with gutta-percha and MTA. Call Orlando Healthy Smiles at (407) 790-4181 for a root canal in Lake Mary, FL: Dr. Akmal Ahmed examines the tooth, takes an X-ray, and explains whether root canal treatment or extraction is better. The American Association of Endodontists explains that a modern root canal treatment is very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments, with anesthesia so it is no more painful than a regular dental procedure.
A root canal is a treatment to remove inflamed or infected tissue from inside a tooth, clean and shape the canal, then seal it. Saving your own tooth keeps normal biting force and sensation, a natural appearance, and protects other teeth from extra wear. Most cases are completed with local anesthesia, and the tooth is usually restored with a filling or a crown afterwards.
Who is root canal treatment for?
Root canal treatment may be needed when the nerve inside a tooth has been affected by a cracked tooth, deep decay or a previous filling. The signs that point towards the nerve are pain that lingers, pain on biting or pressure, spontaneous pain at night, a bad taste or a pimple on the gum, and swelling. None of these signs is conclusive by itself. An examination, tapping tests, cold tests and an X-ray are what actually confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes a tooth with a dead nerve causes no pain at all and is only found on a routine X-ray.
What does a visit involve?
Dr. Akmal Ahmed examines the tooth, takes an X-ray, and explains whether root canal treatment or extraction is better before anything starts. Root canal treatment removes the inflamed or infected tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the canal with Dentsply Sirona, SybronEndo, Kerr, FKG Dentaire and VDW systems, then seals it with gutta-percha and MTA. The tooth is usually restored with a filling or a crown afterwards, because a tooth that has had this treatment is more brittle. Most cases are completed in one or two appointments with local anesthesia. The tooth may be tender for a few days afterwards, which is usually managed with ordinary pain relief.
What are the signs I might need a root canal?
Root canal treatment may be needed when the nerve inside a tooth has been affected by a cracked tooth, deep decay or a previous filling. The signs that point towards the nerve are:
- Pain that lingers A tooth that aches for minutes after hot or cold food, rather than settling within seconds, is more concerning than a brief twinge.
- Pain on biting or pressure Often a sign the tissue around the root is inflamed.
- Spontaneous pain, especially at night Throbbing that wakes you up usually means the nerve is involved.
- A bad taste or a pimple on the gum This can be a sign of a chronic infection draining through the bone.
- Swelling Facial or gum swelling is a reason to call the same day. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is spreading quickly, seek emergency medical care immediately.
None of these signs is conclusive by itself. An examination, tapping tests, cold tests and an X-ray are what actually confirm the diagnosis.
How does a root canal compare with extraction?
Saving your own tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages: efficient chewing, normal biting force and sensation, a natural appearance, and protection of other teeth from excessive wear or strain, according to the American Association of Endodontists. The American Association of Endodontists also notes that endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are generally less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth extracted.
| Option | Keeps the tooth? | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Root canal treatment | Yes | Nerve tissue removed, cleaned and sealed; filling or crown, review afterwards |
| Extraction | No | Tooth removed; the gap needs a replacement with a bridge, denture or implant |
When is extraction the better answer?
If there is not enough tooth structure left, if the root is fractured, or if the bone support is poor, removing the tooth may be more predictable than trying to save it. That is a conversation to have with the X-ray in front of you, not a decision to make from a webpage. If a tooth cannot be saved and needs replacing, see Dental Implants Lake Mary for one way to replace it.
Should I wait for the pain to decide?
Waiting usually makes the problem bigger: an infection can spread, and a tooth that could have been saved may not be restorable. Nearly 9 in 10 adults aged 20 to 64 in the United States have had tooth decay, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, so a lingering ache is common and it is worth a check. If you have pain that lingers or swelling, call the office at (407) 790-4181. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is spreading quickly, seek emergency medical care immediately.
What other services help?
If a tooth cannot be saved, or if the pain is urgent, these pages explain the next step.
Emergency Dentistry
Same-day appointments for tooth pain, swelling or a broken tooth. Call first so we can advise you.
Restorative Dentistry
Fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures that repair or replace damaged teeth.
Dental Implants
Implant planning for single teeth, bridges and implant-supported dentures when a tooth cannot be saved.
Family Dentistry
Routine exams, cleanings and preventive care for every age in the family.
Orlando Healthy Smiles is a single-office practice at 946 International Parkway, Suite 1550, in Lake Mary, Florida. Dr. Akmal Ahmed is the sole dentist and treats patients from Lake Mary, Heathrow, Sanford, Longwood and Altamonte Springs, in Central Florida’s Seminole County, in 4 languages: English, Urdu, Hindi and Kannada. The practice offers 10 dental services and has a 4.9 out of 5 rating from 381 Google reviews.
How do I book a root canal visit?
Tell us whether you have tooth pain, swelling or a broken tooth, and we will point you to the right visit. Root canal treatment usually starts with an examination, digital X-rays only when needed, and a written plan with the fee for each option before anything starts.
946 International Parkway, Suite 1550, Lake Mary, FL 32746
Questions about root canals
Is a root canal painful?
The American Association of Endodontists explains that a modern root canal treatment is very similar to a routine filling. Most cases are completed with local anesthesia, so it is no more painful than a regular dental procedure, and the tooth may be tender for a few days afterwards.
How many appointments does a root canal take?
Root canal treatment can usually be completed in one or two appointments. Dr. Akmal Ahmed explains the plan, including the number of visits, after examining the tooth and taking an X-ray.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
The tooth is usually restored with a filling or a crown afterwards, because a tooth that has had root canal treatment is more brittle. Dr. Akmal Ahmed explains which restoration fits your tooth before treatment starts.
For an overview of all the care available at our Lake Mary office, see Dental Care Lake Mary. To read more about the signs that point to a root canal, see How to Know When It’s Time for a Root Canal in Lake Mary.