A root canal may be able to save a tooth when the tissue inside it becomes severely inflamed or infected. During treatment, the damaged tissue is removed and the canals are cleaned and sealed. We then plan the restoration needed to protect the tooth. Not every toothache needs a root canal, and some teeth need one without causing much pain—so an accurate diagnosis comes first.
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Inside each tooth is a pulp space containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment removes the diseased pulp, cleans and shapes the canals and seals the internal space. The tooth then needs an appropriate permanent restoration.
Yes. A tooth can lose pulp vitality or develop infection with little or no pain. Sometimes the problem is found on an X-ray or during examination because of deep decay, a history of trauma, a draining sinus tract or changes around the root. Symptoms are helpful, but diagnosis should not depend on pain alone.
If the tooth is predictably restorable, root canal treatment can preserve the natural tooth. Extraction may be the better option when the tooth has an unfavorable fracture, too little remaining structure, severe support loss or another condition that makes restoration unrealistic. A complimentary second opinion can be helpful before extraction when the prognosis is uncertain.
The tooth is anesthetized, an opening is made to access the pulp space, and the canals are cleaned, shaped and sealed. A temporary or permanent restoration is placed depending on the treatment sequence. The tooth then receives the final restoration needed for protection and function.
We use local anesthesia to numb the tooth during treatment. Some tenderness afterward can be normal, especially if the tooth was painful beforehand. Call if pain is severe or getting worse, or if swelling develops or returns.
If you feel anxious about treatment, ask us about nitrous oxide or oral sedation with triazolam. These options are available only when appropriate after a health and medication review; we will give you instructions specific to your plan.
Not every root-canal-treated tooth automatically needs a crown. Molars and premolars commonly need crowns because they absorb substantial chewing force. A front tooth may not require a crown if enough healthy structure remains. If a large portion of any tooth has been lost to decay, fracture or previous restorations, a crown is often needed to protect the remaining tooth.
Follow the instructions given for the specific tooth and restoration. Avoid unnecessary heavy chewing on a tooth with a temporary restoration until the permanent restoration is completed. Continue normal oral hygiene with appropriate care around the treated area.
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, reported by the American Association of Endodontists as over 90%. Long-term tooth survival also depends on the condition of the tooth, remaining structure, final restoration, oral hygiene and whether new decay, leakage or fracture occurs later.
Yes. A previously treated tooth can develop a new problem if canal anatomy was difficult to treat, a restoration leaks or breaks, new decay develops or the tooth fractures. Retreatment or endodontic surgery can sometimes save the tooth. Other teeth may no longer be restorable and require extraction.
The fee for a root canal depends on which tooth needs treatment and what is involved. We can review your PPO benefits and explain the estimated cost of any needed crown or other final restoration alongside available financing options.
Have tooth pain, swelling or a recommendation for a root canal or extraction? Call 954-824-1824 or schedule an evaluation online so we can discuss what is happening with your tooth.
*New patients only. Please confirm offer eligibility and details when booking.