Restorative
Root Canal Therapy
Modern root canal therapy relieves pain and saves your natural tooth — often in one comfortable visit.
Root canal therapy has an outdated reputation. In reality, it's a routine, comfortable procedure that removes infected tissue from inside a tooth, relieves pain, and lets you keep your natural tooth rather than losing it.
We use modern numbing techniques and a gentle approach to make the experience as easy as possible.
What a root canal actually is
Inside every tooth is soft tissue called pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When decay, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the pulp can become infected and painful. A root canal removes the infected tissue, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it, so you can keep your natural tooth instead of losing it.
Signs you may need one
Only an exam and imaging can confirm it, but these are common warning signs.
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain, or pain when you bite
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the trigger is gone
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth
- A tooth that has darkened compared to its neighbors
- A pimple-like bump on the gum
What to expect during treatment
We numb the area thoroughly so the procedure itself is comparable to getting a filling. We then remove the infected pulp, clean and shape the canals, and seal them. Many root canals can be completed in a single visit, though more complex teeth may take longer.
Afterward, mild soreness for a few days is normal and usually manageable. A tooth that has had a root canal, especially a back tooth, is often protected with a crown, and we'll recommend one if it's needed.
Root canal or extraction?
Saving your natural tooth is usually preferable. A natural tooth maintains your bite and jawbone better than most replacements, and a root canal is designed to preserve it. If a tooth can't be saved, we'll explain why and go over replacement options.
Why waiting is risky
Some patients find that a painful tooth suddenly stops hurting. That can mean the nerve has died, not that the problem is gone, and the infection can continue to spread. If a tooth that was hurting goes quiet, it's still worth having it checked.
Read: the pain went away, so what now? →Emergency dentistry →
Root canal therapy in Altamonte Springs
If you're in pain, call (407) 774-4433 and we'll do our best to see you promptly. We serve patients from Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Winter Park, Maitland, and Casselberry.
Benefits
Why patients choose this
- Relieves pain caused by infection or inflammation
- Saves your natural tooth instead of extracting it
- Prevents the infection from spreading
- Typically restored with a crown for long-term strength
Is This Right For You?
Signs to look for
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a tooth
- A darkening tooth or a recurring pimple on the gum
What to Expect
Your visit, step by step
Numbing the area completely for your comfort
Removing infected tissue from inside the tooth
Cleaning and sealing the tooth's interior
Restoring the tooth, typically with a crown
Questions
Common questions about root canal therapy
With modern anesthesia, most patients report the procedure feels similar to getting a filling — the pain patients usually feel is from the infection beforehand, not the treatment.
In most cases, yes — a crown protects the treated tooth, which can become more brittle over time, from future fracture.
Many are completed in a single visit, but the time depends on the tooth and how complex its canals are. We'll give you an estimate at your exam.
Often, especially for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces. We'll tell you whether your tooth needs one and when.
Most people return to normal activities the next day. Mild soreness for a few days is common and usually manageable with the aftercare we recommend.
We prioritize dental emergencies and do our best to see you the same day. The first goal is to relieve your pain and determine what the tooth needs.
It depends on the tooth. We give you a written estimate before treatment, and we can review insurance and payment options.