Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry

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Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry > Services > Root Canal Therapy

Our experienced dental team performs gentle root canal therapy to patients in Lithia and the surrounding area.

Why Does a Tooth Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is necessary when the pulp/nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, repeated dental procedures, or trauma. Once bacteria reach the pulp/nerve, it can cause severe pain, sensitivity, and swelling. If left untreated, the infection can spread beyond the tooth, leading to abscess formation and potential bone loss (Siqueira & Rôças, 2009). Root canal therapy is designed to remove the infected pulp/nerve, relieve pain, and save the natural tooth, preventing the need for an extraction.

The Process of a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal procedure typically involves one to two appointments. First, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area and then drills into the tooth to access the infected pulp/nerve. Using specialized instruments, the pulp/nerve and bacteria are removed, and the canals are shaped and disinfected (Ng et al., 2011). After cleaning, the space is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection. Finally, the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling, and in most cases, a crown is placed to restore strength and function.

Our Team

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Dr. Joseph Wareham DMD

Dr. Joseph Wareham is the proud owner and dentist at Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry, a practice he founded and opened in 2013. With a deep passion for dentistry, Dr. Wareham has been practicing since graduating from Nova Southeastern University in 2007.

Dr. Wareham's favorite part of working in dentistry is the close-knit relationship he shares with his team members. He believes in fostering a fun and lighthearted work environment, where jokes and laughter are shared between colleagues and patients alike. This sense of camaraderie creates a comfortable and enjoyable experience for ...

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What Happens if a Root Canal Is Left Untreated?

Delaying or avoiding a needed root canal can lead to serious complications. As the infection progresses, the tooth can develop a painful abscess, which may cause facial swelling, bone loss, and systemic infection (Kobayashi & Suda, 2012). In severe cases, untreated dental infections can contribute to heart disease, diabetes complications, or sepsis (Caplan & Weintraub, 1993). Additionally, an untreated tooth may become too damaged to save, requiring extraction and costly tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges.

Schedule Your Root Canal Consultation Today

If you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, don’t wait for the infection to worsen. Contact Cherry Blossom Family Dentistry in Lithia, FL, today to schedule a consultation. We offer gentle and effective root canal treatments to relieve pain and restore your smile. Call (813) 454-0314 or book an appointment online to protect your oral health!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I care for my tooth after a root canal?

Root canals are not surgical procedures, and the recovery time is about the same as a tooth filling. Most people even say the procedure affects them less than a tooth filling! When you have a root canal, your endodontist specialist will clean and seal the tooth to remove any infection.

Root canal treatment takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your infection and the accessibility of your tooth’s canals. You should be able to drive or return to work right after your appointment.

Your endodontist will give you specific instructions for allowing your tooth to heal, but here are some general guidelines:

Once the numbness wears off, you may feel some soreness or tenderness for a few days. Some people have a sore jaw after keeping it open for an extended period. Use over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen) to manage pain. If your endodontist prescribes a stronger medication, be sure to have someone drive you home or wait to take it until you’re home.
You can eat after the numbness wears off, avoiding sticky or crunchy foods. If you have a temporary dental crown, it’s especially important to be careful about hard foods.
Continue to brush and floss your teeth normally, though you may want to use care around the tender areas.
Return to your dentist for your permanent restoration, if instructed to do so.

Root Canal Therapy Technology

TV in Treatment Rooms

If you want a distraction while we look after your smile, having a television to watch your favorite program can be a relaxing amenity. We can also use chairside monitors to show you your intraoral photos and x-rays to help you better understand your care.

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Testimonial

I HIGHLY recommend.

I have had a life long fear of dentists due to their toughness, gruffness, lecturing and judgements. This is the very first time I actually look forward to going back. The dentist is such a nice guy and explains things so you can actually understand any issues. The hygienist was amazing!! Not one bit of pain and just the sweetest woman. She took great care of me. I HIGHLY recommend.
-Denise

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