Root Canal & Endodontics in Gainesville, FL

If you are currently experiencing pain in a tooth or your jaw, seeking the right dental care can help you manage these issues more effectively. At Tioga Dental at Celebration Pointe, we provide the skilled services you need to resolve pain quickly and to promote the healthiest teeth and the brightest smiles for you and every member of your family. If you need emergency dental care, call us at (352) 389-4386 to set up an appointment.

What Is a Root Canal?

Each tooth consists of a hard outer shell of enamel, which surrounds the soft pulp tissue. The pulp of your teeth contains nerve endings and blood vessels. If bacteria or other contaminants reach the pulp, infections, abscesses and decay can create real problems. Root canals are a way to remove the infected material along with the pulp and the nerves inside the canals of the tooth. The dental team at Tioga Dental at Celebration Pointe offers root canal procedure options and will work with you to ensure that you receive the best treatment for your dental care needs.

When Are Root Canals Necessary?

Some of the most important signs indicating that you may need to see a root canal dentist include:

• Severe toothache pain that makes it difficult for you to work, sleep or think clearly
• Sensitivity to pressure or to foods and beverages that are hot or cold
• Discoloration of a tooth
• Cavities that can be felt or seen
• Swollen gums around the tooth

What Types of Dentists Perform Root Canals?

At our dental practice, we can perform most root canals right in our office and with our own dental staff. Extremely complex or difficult surgical procedures, however, may be referred to an endodontist who specializes in treating disorders of the interior structures of the tooth. We will work with you to determine if we can complete your dental root canal in our office or if we will refer you to one of our trusted endodontists in Gainesville.

How Are Root Canals Performed?

Your root canal will typically require one to two appointments. During your first appointment, we will evaluate the condition of your tooth. If necessary, we will prescribe antibiotics to reduce infection in your tooth and gums before your procedure. You will also be able to decide whether you want general anesthesia or if you would prefer local numbing of the area. These are the procedure’s general steps:

1. Your tooth will be isolated from other teeth to prevent cross-contamination. This is accomplished by using a small dental shield.
2. An opening will be drilled through the crown of the tooth and into the pulp chamber.
3. Everything inside the tooth will be removed, including pulp, blood and infected material. We will then use dental instruments to clean and shape the interior of your tooth.
4. The inside of your tooth will be thoroughly rinsed with a liquid that contains dental disinfectants. This will remove any traces of bacterial infection inside your tooth or its roots.
5. Gutta-percha is a rubber-like substance that will be used as a dental filling in the root canals of your tooth. It provides superior strength and is designed to keep bacteria from coming back in these areas.
6. In most cases, you will be given a root canal crown that fits over the compromised tooth and allows you to bite and chew with greater confidence.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The price you will pay for your procedure will depend on how many roots the affected tooth has and any complications that might arise during your treatment. Front teeth have only one root and are usually the least expensive to treat. Molars, on the other hand, have four roots that must be dealt with during your procedure. Our office accepts most dental insurance plans and discount programs, which can significantly reduce the amount you will pay for dental care in our area. We will work with you to determine the most affordable payment options for your budget.

Types of Root Canals

Along with standard root canals, Tioga Dental at Celebration Pointe can also provide pediatric root canals. These are known as pediatric pulpotomies because they remove only the pulp of the infected tooth and not the nerve endings from primary teeth. This allows the adult teeth to develop normally after a childhood tooth infection.

For patients who have undergone failed root canals and have had recurring problems with a particular tooth, an apicoectomy is a procedure designed to correct these issues by removing the tip of a root that is creating persistent difficulties.

Why Consider Dental Root Canal Treatment?

Relieving severe pain is usually the most important reason that our patients seek root canal treatment. If you need immediate help with managing pain and improving your dental health, call Tioga Dental at Celebration Pointe today at (352) 389-4386 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.