Root Canal Therapy

Root Canal Therapy: Expert Care Near Lutz

When tooth pain strikes, it can disrupt every part of your daily life, from enjoying meals to getting a good night’s sleep. At Today’s Family Dental, Dr. Alex Afsahi, DMD, provides gentle, effective root canal therapy to restore the health of your teeth, protect your natural smile, and help prevent serious oral health concerns. Serving Lutz, FL, and the surrounding communities of Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, Wesley Chapel, and Trinity, our goal is to deliver advanced dental care that relieves pain, prevents further damage, and helps you return to comfort.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a routine procedure that treats infection or inflammation inside of the tooth. The inside of the tooth contains soft tissue, including blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. When this tissue becomes infected—whether from deep decay, a significant cavity, or injury—it can lead to severe pain, swelling, and even serious health problems if left untreated.

During a root canal procedure, Dr. Afsahi removes the infected area, carefully cleans the roots of your teeth, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. A dental crown is often placed on the treated tooth to restore its strength and appearance, allowing you to continue using your natural tooth for years to come.

Root canal therapy plays a vital role in preserving oral health. Instead of extracting the diseased tooth, this dental treatment saves your natural teeth, protects the crown of the tooth, and maintains the structure of your bite.

Molar Root Canal Therapy

Molars play a vital role in chewing and grinding food, but because they have multiple roots and complex root canal systems, they are more prone to serious infections when decay or bacteria reach the soft tissue inside of the tooth. Treating these teeth requires special attention, as the narrow openings and multiple canals can make the root canal procedure more intricate than treatment on front teeth.

A molar root canal helps save the natural tooth, prevents further damage to neighboring teeth, and stops infections from spreading to the bone or surrounding soft tissue. With modern techniques, local anesthesia, and advanced technology, Dr. Afsahi can complete this dental procedure comfortably and effectively. Following treatment, a dental crown is typically placed over the treated tooth to restore strength, protect the structure, and support your natural bite.

If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, severe sensitivity when chewing, or swelling near the back of your mouth, a molar root canal may be the best way to preserve your oral health and avoid tooth loss.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Your body often gives you clear signals when there’s a problem with an infected tooth. Persistent tooth pain is one of the most common indicators. However, it’s also possible to have an infected pulp without experiencing any symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups are so important. If you notice any unusual discomfort, it’s always best to have it checked out.

Pay close attention to what your mouth is telling you. Here are some of the main signs that suggest you might need root canal therapy:

• Severe pain, especially when chewing or biting down
• A tooth abscess, which is a pimple-like bump appearing on your gums
• A chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Swollen, tender gums near the painful tooth
• Tooth discoloration or darkening of part of the tooth

Other signs of infection include sensitivity, pressure, or swelling in the jaw. If you notice any of these, seeking prompt dental care is the best way to prevent further damage. Left untreated, a diseased tooth can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, or even systemic issues.

The Root Canal Procedure

Many Lutz patients feel anxious when they hear the words “root canal,” but modern technology and pain medication options have transformed this dental procedure into a comfortable, predictable experience. Here’s what to expect:

1. Local Anesthesia – Dr. Afsahi will gently numb the area with a local anesthetic so you remain comfortable throughout treatment.
2. Protecting the Tooth – A dental dam is placed to isolate the tooth and keep it dry and free from saliva.
3. Removing the Infected Area – Using precise instruments, the infected pulp, blood vessels, and connective tissues are removed from the tooth canal.
4. Cleaning and Shaping – The inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and shaped to prepare for sealing.
5. Temporary Filling – A temporary filling may be placed to protect the treated tooth until your permanent restoration is ready.
6. Final Restoration – In most cases, a dental crown is added to strengthen the treated tooth and restore its natural function.

This routine procedure not only relieves dental pain but also helps maintain the health of your teeth and prevents serious health problems down the road.

Why Root Canal Therapy Matters

Choosing root canal therapy is about more than just pain relief—it’s about protecting your long-term oral health. A deep cavity or serious infection left untreated can spread to the roots of your teeth, cause further damage, and even contribute to periodontal disease.

By addressing the infected tooth promptly, you:

• Preserve your natural teeth and avoid extraction
• Prevent bone loss around the tooth structure
• Reduce the risk of abscesses or systemic infection
• Maintain the crown of the tooth and your natural smile
• Avoid more complex and costly dental services in the future

At Today’s Family Dental, Dr. Afsahi believes that saving your natural teeth is almost always the best way to protect your overall dental health.

What Happens If You Avoid Root Canal Therapy?

Failing to address the need for a root canal can lead to severe consequences. If a diseased tooth is left untreated, the infection within the pulp will not resolve on its own. Instead, it will likely spread. The bacteria can migrate from the pulp chamber into the surrounding tissues, resulting in a painful abscess. This can cause intense, throbbing pain and significant swelling in your face or jaw, creating a much more urgent dental emergency.

Beyond the immediate pain, avoiding treatment can cause irreversible and further damage. The spreading infection can destroy the bone that supports your tooth, potentially leading to bone loss and, ultimately, tooth loss. 

In the most severe cases, the infection can enter your bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body, leading to serious health problems. Prompt treatment is the best way to protect your oral health and overall wellness, which is why we proudly serve patients from Wesley Chapel to Odessa.

Compassionate Root Canal Care in Lutz, FL

Root canal therapy is a crucial dental treatment that helps maintain the health and longevity of your teeth. By addressing decay and infection, Dr. Alex Afsahi and his team at Today’s Family Dental in Lutz, FL, are dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Ignoring the signs that indicate you may need a root canal can lead to more severe complications, impacting your overall oral health.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your dental health, visiting Dr. Afsahi at his practice can help alleviate your worries and offer you the expert care you deserve. Call us today at 813-751-3133 to schedule your appointment and take the next step toward protecting the health of your teeth and your natural smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a root canal painful?

Most people are surprised to learn that a root canal isn’t painful. The procedure is performed to relieve tooth pain, not cause it. With a modern local anesthetic, the area is completely numb. Any mild sensitivity that may occur afterward can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication, making the root canal procedure a comfortable experience.

How long does a root canal take?

A root canal treatment can often be completed in one or two appointments. Thanks to modern techniques, the dental procedure is very efficient. Each visit typically lasts about 90 minutes. Your dentist will let you know the exact timeline for your specific dental care needs to restore your treated tooth.

Do I always need a crown after a root canal?

Not everyone in Lutz requires a crown after a root canal. It depends on the tooth’s condition, location, and the amount of remaining structure. Dr. Afsahi will evaluate your specific situation to determine if a crown is necessary for optimal protection and function.

What should I expect after treatment?

After your root canal procedure, it’s normal to have some mild sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days, which can be managed with pain medication. You will need to return for a follow-up appointment to have a permanent filling or crown placed. Following these next steps is crucial for your long-term oral health.

Is a root canal better than an extraction?

In many cases, yes. A root canal is often the best way to save your natural tooth, which is almost always preferable to removing it. Preserving your natural teeth helps maintain proper bite alignment, prevents bone loss in the jaw, and avoids the need for more complex dental treatments such as implants or bridges. Extraction may sometimes be necessary if the tooth is too severely damaged, but root canal therapy is usually the best way to preserve your natural smile and protect your long-term oral health.