Root Canal and Endodontics in Gainesville

What Is a Root Canal?

Root canals are procedures used to remove infected or damaged pulp from the inside of teeth to relieve pain and pressure that can be debilitating. At Tioga Dental & Orthodontics, we can provide you with the right solutions for managing these issues and protecting viable teeth to ensure the healthiest smiles for you and every member of your family.

When Are Root Canals Necessary?

You may need a root canal if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Severe pain, especially prolonged or excruciating pain that wakes you up from sleep
• Swelling around the roots of the tooth or in the gums
• Extreme sensitivity to heat or cold or pain when pressure is applied to the tooth
• Discolored tooth enamel, especially gray or blackish coloration
• Cavities that can be seen or felt

Our skilled dental team will work with you to determine the best course of action for you and provide you with information about the cause of your problems and the treatment course we recommend.

What Types of Dentists Perform Root Canals?

If your tooth requires the attention of a specialist, the dentists at Tioga Dental & Orthodontics can refer you to an endodontist who can provide you with expert help in managing the health of your teeth. Endodontists are dentists who focus on the treatment of conditions affecting the pulp, roots and interior spaces of the tooth. An endodontics specialist can provide you with the most appropriate treatment for your needs. At Tioga Dental & Orthodontics, we will work with you to make sure your dental treatment suits the complexity of your issue.

How Are Root Canals Performed?

Basic root canals usually require about one to two hours. Your dentist will usually follow these steps when performing this surgical procedure:

1. First, the area surrounding your tooth will be treated with a numbing agent. We can also perform your root canal procedure under general anesthesia if you request it and your dentist agrees.
2. The tooth will be isolated from other teeth to keep the procedure area as clean as possible.
3. We will then drill a hole in the crown of your tooth large enough to allow the root canal dentist to remove the pulp through the hole.
4. Your dentist will remove the pulp and shape the interior of your tooth to ensure that it will accept the filling.
5. The interior of your tooth will be rinsed with a fluid to disinfect the area and reduce the risk of future infections.
6. A rubbery material known as gutta-percha will be used to fill the root canals and the interior of your tooth.
7. A root canal crown will be applied on a temporary or permanent basis to protect your teeth from damage.

What Are the Costs of Root Canals?

One of the biggest worries reported by our patients is how the root canal cost will affect their budgets. We will provide you with an estimate of the cost of your procedure before we begin. Our team accepts most dental insurance plans and can work with you to help you lower your costs even more with a dental discount plan or other solution. We also offer affordable payment options designed to help you manage the cost of your dental care. If you are worried about the cost of root canals, call us today at so we can put your mind at ease.

Types of Root Canals

Along with the standard dental root canal, our dentists also provide services that include pediatric pulpotomies and apicoectomies. Pediatric pulpotomies remove the infected or damaged pulp of a child’s primary tooth while leaving the nerve in place to ensure the proper development of the adult teeth. An apicoectomy is designed to correct failed root canals and other procedures by removing the tip of the root as well as the nerves inside the tooth.

Why Consider Dental Root Canal Treatment?

If you are in pain, that alone could be reason enough to seek root canal treatment in our area. Call Tioga Dental & Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment with our team. We look forward to the opportunity to serve your dental needs, now and in the future.