Root Canal

High-Quality Dental Treatments at Sweet Hart Dental

If you're experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, you may need root canal therapy. This dental procedure safely treats infected or inflamed dental pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth. Root canal therapy can also save a damaged or decayed tooth from extraction. At Sweet Hart Dental, our experienced Pembroke Pines dentist Dr. Darlene Hart provides quality root canal therapy to help restore your oral health.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy involves the removal of infected or inflamed dental pulp from the inside of your tooth. Dental pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues that help your tooth grow and develop. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and tooth sensitivity. Root canal treatments can help alleviate these symptoms and save your tooth from extraction.

When Do You Need Root Canal Therapy?

There are many reasons why you may need root canal therapy. The most common causes include the following: Tooth decay Cracked or chipped tooth Trauma to the tooth Repeated dental procedures on the tooth Gum disease

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may need root canal therapy: Severe toothache pain Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures Swelling or tenderness in the gums Discoloration of the tooth A small bump on the gums near the affected tooth

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

Root Canal

At Sweet Hart Dental in Pembroke Pines, FL, our root canal therapy typically involves the following steps:

  1. Numbing the area around the affected tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure you're comfortable during the procedure
  2. Creating an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the infected or inflamed dental pulp
  3. Removing the infected or inflamed pulp using specialized tools
  4. Cleaning and shaping the inside of the tooth to prepare it for filling
  5. Filling the tooth with a restorative dental material to seal the canals and prevent bacteria from entering
  6. Placing a temporary filling or crown on the tooth as your root canal heals before placing your customized permanent restoration 

How Long Does Root Canal Therapy Take?

The duration of root canal therapy depends on the case complexity. Simple root canal therapy can be completed in one to two appointments, while a more complex case may require additional visits. Your dentist will discuss the treatment plan with you, including how long it will take.

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

Contrary to popular belief, root canal therapy is not a painful procedure. At Sweet Hart Dental in Pembroke Pines, FL, we use a local anesthetic or dental sedation to numb the area around the affected tooth, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. You may experience discomfort or sensitivity afterward, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

Financing Root Canal Therapy

The cost of root canal therapy at Sweet Hart Dental in Pembroke Pines, FL, varies depending on the complexity of the case and the location of the affected tooth. Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of the procedure. We offer flexible payment options and financing plans to help you afford the necessary care.

Schedule Your Appointment at Sweet Hart Dental

Root canal therapy can be daunting for many dental patients, but with high-quality technology, years of training, and a dedicated team, Dr. Hart’s patients can trust that they’re in the best hands for their root canal. If you’re experiencing pain in a tooth and are located in or around Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Hollywood, or Davie, FL, contact our dental office by calling (954) 437-9288 or filling out our online contact form to schedule a consultation.

Yes. It's normal to experience some discomfort or sensitivity after root canal therapy. However, the pain should subside within a few days, and you can manage it with over-the-counter pain medications.

After root canal therapy, your tooth may look slightly different because it must be filled with a dental filling material. However, your dentist can place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to make it look and function like a natural tooth.

You should avoid chewing or biting with the treated tooth until it's fully restored with a filling or crown. You can eat and drink normally after the anesthesia wears off, but you should avoid hot and cold temperatures until the sensitivity subsides.

You can prevent the need for root canal therapy by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. You should also avoid chewing on hard foods or objects that can damage your teeth.