Root canal treatment to stop the pain and save the tooth

01 — The basics

What is root canal treatment?

Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can let bacteria reach the pulp, causing inflammation or infection. Root canal treatment removes that tissue, cleans and disinfects the canals inside the root, and seals them so the tooth can stay in your mouth.

At a glance

Signs you may need a root canal

• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the source is gone
• Throbbing or severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or lying down
• A pimple-like bump on the gum near a tooth
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums or face
• A tooth that has darkened after an injury

Sometimes there are no symptoms at all and the problem shows up on an X-ray. If you have facial swelling that is spreading, fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the ER — then call us.

Root canal vs. extraction

Pulling the tooth can seem simpler, but a missing tooth lets neighbors drift and bone shrink, and replacing it with an implant or bridge usually costs more than saving it. When a tooth can be saved with a root canal and crown, keeping it is often the better long-term choice. If a tooth can’t be saved, we’ll tell you honestly and plan the replacement.

Our biological approach to root canals

Thorough disinfection is the key to a successful root canal. In addition to standard cleaning and irrigation, Dr. B may use ozone as an extra disinfection step. We’ll also discuss the evidence and your options openly if you have concerns about root canals — some holistic-minded patients do, and you deserve a straight answer.

After your root canal

Expect some tenderness for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid chewing hard foods on that side until the tooth has its permanent restoration. Back teeth usually need a crown to prevent them from cracking — we can place it here in the same office.

Cost and insurance

Most dental plans cover a portion of root canal treatment and the crown that follows. We’ll give you a written estimate before we start, and financing is available. Insurance & financing.

How many canals does a tooth have?

Front teeth usually have one canal, premolars one or two, and molars three or four. More canals mean a longer appointment and, often, a higher fee — which is why the cost of a root canal depends on which tooth needs it.

What affects the cost of a root canal

• Which tooth — front, premolar or molar
• Whether a crown is needed afterward (usually for back teeth)
• Whether the tooth has had a root canal before (retreatment)
• Your insurance or Medicaid benefits

Retreatment and root-end surgery

Occasionally a tooth that had a root canal years ago becomes infected again. It can often be retreated, and in some cases a small surgery at the root tip (apicoectomy) is recommended. These cases are often best handled by an endodontist, and we’ll coordinate the referral when that’s the case.

Can a cracked tooth be saved with a root canal?

It depends on where the crack is. Cracks that stay above the gum line can often be treated with a root canal and a crown. A crack that runs down into the root usually means the tooth can’t be saved, and we’ll talk through replacing it.

Root canals, Medicaid and insurance

Most PPO plans cover a portion of root canal treatment and the crown that follows. Florida Medicaid coverage for adult root canals varies by plan and may require approval; children’s coverage is broader. We accept Florida Medicaid dental plans. Coverage depends on your age and plan, so we verify your benefits before treatment and tell you what, if anything, you’ll owe.

We see patients from across North Miami-Dade and South Broward, including Miami Gardens, Opa-locka, Miami Lakes, Carol City, Norland, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Aventura and Hialeah. Our office is on NW 7th Avenue near NW 183rd Street (Miami Gardens Drive).