Root canal treatment
Removes the infected pulp and seals the tooth. Usually the first choice when enough healthy tooth remains.
General dentistry
Root Canal Treatment in Tamarac, FL
Keep the tooth. Get rid of the pain.
A root canal removes the infected or inflamed nerve tissue inside a tooth so you can keep the tooth instead of losing it. Our team numbs the area first and explains each step. If you have tooth pain or swelling, call (954) 322-3865.
Tooth pain?call (954) 322-3865 first
Often same dayfor emergencies, on weekdays
- (954) 322-3865Call
- Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PMHours
- Most major PPO plansInsurance
- English and SpanishLanguages
Quick answer
What is a root canal?
A root canal treats the inside of a tooth. When the pulp, the soft tissue that holds the nerve and blood vessels, becomes infected or inflamed, the dentist numbs the tooth, removes the damaged pulp, cleans the canals and seals them. A crown often follows to protect the tooth. The goal is to keep your own tooth instead of pulling it.
Keep your tootha root canal is often the alternative to pulling it
Why it's done
When a tooth needs a root canal
Deep decay, a crack or a filling that has failed can let bacteria reach the pulp. Once the pulp is infected it cannot heal on its own, and the infection can spread to the bone and gum around the root. Antibiotics can calm an infection for a while, but they do not clean out the inside of the tooth.
Many people wait because the pain comes and goes. A tooth that suddenly stops hurting has not necessarily healed. The nerve may have died while the infection is still there. The sooner it is checked, the more of the tooth there is to save.
Signs the nerve may be affected
- Pain or sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when you bite or press on the tooth
- Swelling, or a pimple-like bump on the gum
- A tooth that has darkened
- Throbbing pain that keeps you up at night
Your visit
What happens during a root canal
Exam and X-rays
The dentist checks the tooth, takes digital X-rays and confirms the pulp is the problem. You hear your options and the cost before treatment starts.
Numbing
The tooth and the area around it are numbed. If dental visits make you anxious, ask about nitrous oxide or oral sedation.
Cleaning the canals
The dentist opens the tooth, removes the damaged pulp, cleans the canals and seals them.
Protecting the tooth
A filling or crown goes on to seal and strengthen the tooth. Back teeth usually need a crown.
Your choices
Root canal, crown or extraction
The dentist recommends one after the exam. It depends on how much healthy tooth is left.
Crown
A tooth that has had a root canal can be more brittle. A crown covers it so it can handle chewing.
Crowns and bridgesExtraction and replacement
When too little healthy tooth is left, the tooth is removed and can be replaced with an implant or a bridge.
Tooth extractionCost and insurance
What a root canal costs
The cost depends on the tooth. Front teeth have fewer canals than molars, so they are usually simpler to treat. You get the cost in writing before treatment starts, along with what is urgent and what can wait.
Insurance often pays part of a root canal. We accept most major PPO plans and check your benefits before treatment. If you pay yourself, monthly financing through CareCredit, Sunbit, Cherry or Alphaeon can spread the cost, subject to approval.
Afterward
Caring for the tooth after a root canal
Go easy on that side
The tooth can feel tender for a few days. Chew on the other side until it has its permanent filling or crown.
Get the crown placed
A temporary filling is not meant to last. Putting off the permanent restoration can leave the tooth open to new decay or a fracture.
Keep it clean
Brush and floss as usual. A tooth that has had a root canal can still get decay around it, so keep your checkups.
Questions patients ask
Root canal questions
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure but not pain during treatment. The tooth can be tender for a few days afterward, and the dentist will tell you what to take for it. Tell us right away if you feel anything while we work.
How many visits does a root canal take?
It depends on the tooth and on whether there is an infection. The dentist tells you how many visits to expect at your exam, before treatment begins.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes, especially on back teeth that do the heavy chewing. A tooth that has had a root canal can be more brittle. The dentist tells you at the exam whether yours needs a crown or a filling.
Can I be seen the same day for tooth pain?
Often, yes, on weekdays. Call (954) 322-3865 as early as you can and we fit you in as soon as the schedule allows. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is spreading into the face or neck, go to the ER or call 911.
Is it better to pull the tooth instead?
Keeping your own tooth is usually the better first choice when enough healthy tooth remains. If it cannot be saved, we go over extraction and replacing the tooth with an implant or a bridge.
What if my tooth is a complicated case?
Some teeth have narrow or curved canals, or need an earlier root canal redone. The dentist tells you at your exam if a specialist referral would serve you better.
Patient reviews
What patients say
Google reviews from patients of our Tamarac office.
- Emily Juliana Castillo Mavarez★★★★★
10/10 with the staff, the doctor and everyone in the office, everything was so clean and professional, will be coming back soon
- Tomas Rodriguez★★★★★
Excelente servicio de atención al paciente. Fui atendido por la asistente Tibisay, la cual me atendió con mucho profesionalismo y dedicación. Estaré agradecido por sus servicios
- Vanessa Rodriguez★★★★★
Muy buena la atención de la Dr. Blanca y su asistente Tibisay.
- Reinaldo May★★★★★
Me hice un implante y todo fue super espectacular, la atención de Tibisay y la Dra. Blanca me hicieron sentir tranquilo. Recomendado 100%
- Tom Rodriguez★★★★★
Excellent service, and the assistant Tibisay was lovely.
- Marianela Perez★★★★★
Excelente
- Diana Bermudez★★★★★
Muy buena experiencia , el personal es profesional y atento . Me sentí en confianza en todo momento. Recomendado al 100%
- Tibisay Hernandez★★★★★
La atención excelente de parte de todo el personal, en especial de la Dr. Martin muy profesional, ¡bastante recomendados!
- Lieny Arteaga★★★★★
Great experience at Metropolitan Smile Design!!!
- Gloria Molina★★★★★
Me tratan super bien aqui , me hice mi limpieza hoy con Alina, Ella es muy linda siempre conmigo .Todas las muchachas son muy amables aqui
Related care
Care that goes with a root canal
Appointments
Request your appointment
Tell us what you need and a team member will call you to confirm a time. New patients are always welcome.
- Send the form
It takes about a minute.
- We call you back
During office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
- Come in for your visit
New patients can start with the $65 exam and digital X-rays, with a courtesy basic cleaning.
- Rated 5.0 on Google
- English and Spanish
- Most insurance accepted
Thank you. We got your request.
Our front desk will call you during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, to book your visit.
Need us sooner? (954) 322-3865We only use your details to contact you about your visit.
Tooth pain that won't let up?
Metropolitan Smile Design in Tamarac sees emergencies and new patients from across Broward County. Our team speaks English and Spanish.