What, exactly, is a root canal?

Our team knows one thing no patient likes hearing when visiting our office is “root canal.” But what, exactly, is a root canal, and when might you need one? A root canal is a treatment uses to repair and save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed to the point where the nerve is involved. In the past, if a patient had a tooth with a diseased nerve, dentists in most cases would recommend an extraction. Today, however, with a procedure called root canal therapy, available at our office, you may save that tooth—and your beautiful smile—after all! Here are some symptoms that indicate a decayed or infected tooth, courtesy of WebMD:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing, biting or application of pressure
• One tooth consistently more sensitive to hot or cold than other teeth
• Pain that hurts without any stimulus, keeps you awake or wakes you up at night
• A tooth that feels loose
• Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
• Pain that persists weeks following a filling or replacement of a filling
• Chronic pain and/or pressure that may extend to the ear, eye or neck

 If any of these symptoms apply to you, we recommend you schedule an appointment with us right away. The best way to avoid a root canal is to practice good oral hygiene at home, and that includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing to reduce plaque and bacteria. For more tips on how to avoid root canal therapy or for general questions about your dental treatment, we invite you to ask us during your next visit to our office! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Meet Dr. Paul

As a teenager, I was interested in science and medicine and their growing involvement in revolutionizing how health was perceived. My orthodontist was one of the first health care professionals to open my eyes to the world of dentistry.

When I became an orthodontist in 1972, methods for orthodontia were still being refined. Since I began practicing, technology has evolved in a way that has allowed not only for a more precise treatment, but for a more personal interaction with patients. Because of this, my enthusiasm and desire to continue practicing has intensified. If time would permit, I would want to put off retirement as long as possible to work with my children and watch as our practice advances into the 21st century.

I attended Texas A&M where I earned my undergraduate degree in Biology before continuing on to Loyola University Dental School, receiving my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. I furthered my education at Loyola University, earning a Master of Science degree in Orthodontics. I am a board certified orthodontist and have been practicing in Brevard County for almost 40 years.

I am a native of Brevard County and currently reside in Merritt Island with my wife, Patricia, the Boss. We have four children and three cats, Sushi, Sake, and Wasabi. When I'm not at the office I enjoy running and walking every day, traveling, surfing the Internet, and watching movies.