Eliminate the Root Cause of Your Toothache with Root Canal Therapy
Do you experience sensitivity after a cold or hot drink? Or maybe you have a persistent toothache that doesn’t yield to home remedies. If yes, you may have an infected or irreversibly inflamed tooth. The good news? Root canal treatment in Tampa, Florida, can relieve the pain and save your tooth from extraction. At Boulevard Dental Citrus Park, we pair clinical experience with advanced technology to provide top-tier root canal services you can count on.
Find Relief with Effective Root Canal Therapy in Tampa, FL
Struggling with a toothache or tooth sensitivity? The experienced team at Boulevard Dental Citrus Park can assess your tooth’s health and provide a comfortable root canal treatment to save your tooth if needed. Schedule a consultation to find relief today.
Relieve Tooth Pain with Root Canal Therapy
Save Your Natural Tooth from Extraction
Gentle Treatment for Infected or Damaged Teeth
Affordable Care with Our In-Office Membership Plan
Do I need a root canal?
Your tooth isn’t just the hard outer layer you see. Inside, it has nerves and blood vessels that keep it alive. If this inner part (pulp) gets infected, you may experience pain and other undesirable symptoms. Without treatment, the infection can spread and cause serious problems. The good news is that root canal treatment can remove the infection while leaving your tooth intact.
So, how do you know you need a root canal? While only a dentist can tell the need for one, watch out for these signs:
- Lingering sensitivity, especially after consuming hot or cold substances
- Relentless toothaches
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen or tender gums
- Tooth discoloration
Sometimes, putting off a root canal can be tempting, hoping it will go away. Unfortunately, the tooth never resolves itself. Instead, the infection spreads deeper into the tooth. Over time, it can reach the bone or even spread to other areas of the body. Acting quickly with a root canal saves your natural tooth and protects your long-term oral health.
The root canal procedure: What can I expect?
Years ago, root canals had a reputation for being painful. But thanks to modern anesthetics and advanced techniques, the procedure is quick and comfortable. In fact, living with an infected tooth is far more painful than getting a root canal to fix it.
Your procedure starts with a consultation. Dr. Grace Ishak will assess your tooth with X-rays to determine its suitability for a root canal. During a root canal, the dentist will remove the infected tissues while leaving the roots intact. Then, we clean the canals thoroughly to remove all the infection.
Next, we fortify your tooth by filling the canals with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material. Once we’ve completed the treatment, we strengthen the tooth with a dental crown, although dental fillings can work for front teeth. Your treated tooth looks and functions as good as new. With good upkeep, it also lasts many years, even a lifetime.
Why not extract the tooth?
Even with advanced restorations, nothing is quite like your natural tooth. Our team always emphasizes preserving your tooth whenever possible. Extracting a tooth leaves a gap that affects eating, speaking, bite alignment, and jawbone health. A root canal preserves your natural smile. That means you keep your natural tooth for chewing, speaking, and smiling. You also don’t have to think about costly tooth replacement options. While extractions are sometimes necessary, a root canal is usually the healthier and more cost-effective option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
How painful is a root canal?
Not nearly as painful as you might think. Modern techniques make root canals feel similar to getting a filling. We use powerful anesthetics that keep the treatment area numb completely, so you stay comfortable throughout. Unlike popular misconceptions, a root canal doesn’t cause pain. Instead, it relieves pain, and many patients feel significantly better after treatment.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes. Some cases may require a second visit, especially if the treatment is more complex. We’ll walk you through your timeline before we begin.
Do I need a dental crown after a root canal?
In many cases, yes. A root canal removes the infected pulp, which leaves your tooth vulnerable to breakage or cracks. A dental crown protects the treated tooth and restores its strength. Your dentist will likely recommend a crown for molars and premolars because they are heavily involved in grinding and chewing. Incisors and canines may only need a filling, but that depends on the strength of the remaining structure.
How soon can I go to work after a root canal?
Usually, on the same day or the following day. Many patients return to normal activities right after their appointment. If you feel some soreness, taking it easy for the rest of the day is a good idea.
How long does a treated tooth last?
A root canal is not a short-term fix. The treated tooth can last several years with proper maintenance. Here is the key to achieving maximum results with a root canal.
- Brush and floss your teeth diligently.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages.
- Wear a custom nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Visit your Citrus Park dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.
- Stick to a dental-friendly diet.
Can a root canal fail?
It’s rare, but it can happen. Root canals have a 95% success rate, making them one of the most predictable dental procedures. However, the initial treatment can fail because of a new infection, trauma, delayed restoration, or hidden canals. If your root canal fails, it doesn’t spell doom for your tooth. Endodontic retreatment can help save the tooth again.
Can I use antibiotics instead of a root canal?
A root canal is the best treatment for a severely infected or necrotic pulp. Antibiotics can do little to save the tooth because the medication doesn’t reach the pulp, as the blood supply is cut off. Antibiotics reduce the spread of infection, but don’t treat the infected tooth.
How much is a root canal in Tampa, FL?
The cost of treatment depends on the tooth’s location and the complexity of the treatment. Generally, molars cost more than front teeth because they have more canals. Our team will share the cost of your treatment during your consultation. Feel free to ask as many questions as you need so that you can understand your billing.
Does insurance cover the cost of a root canal?
Your insurance is likely to cover a root canal because it’s a medically necessary procedure. However, the exact coverage depends on your plan. Our team will help verify the benefits of your coverage and provide a pre-treatment cost estimate.
Where can I see a good root canal dentist in Tampa, FL?
Don’t suffer from tooth pain another day. Boulevard Dental Citrus Park provides advanced root canal services to relieve pain and save your oral health. Call (813) 413-7758 and schedule your consultation today.
Is it time to meet your Tampa root canal dentist?
Don't tolerate tooth discomfort anymore. Relieve pain and save your tooth with safe, pain-free root canals at Boulevard Dental Citrus Park. Call (813) 413-7758 to book your consultation today! Let's help you achieve a healthy, pain-free lifestyle.
