Endodontics and Root Canal Specialists in Gainesville

If decay spreads to the delicate pulp or an injury harms the nerve, then you could face debilitating pain. Root canals help to remove the damaged or infected pulp from your tooth root when it’s no longer possible to use typical treatments to bring you relief. The good news is that your adult tooth can function perfectly fine without the pulp, which makes root canals an effective way to preserve your damaged teeth.

If you suspect that your swollen gums, increased sensitivity or major pain are caused by an infected or injured tooth, then working with a Gainesville root canal specialist can restore it to better health.

What Does a Dentist Look for to Determine If I Need to Have a Root Canal?

While it is hard to see infections that occur deep within your tooth, our dentists at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics have the ability to use X-rays and other tests to identify whether you need a root canal. The general symptoms that you might experience that indicate a root canal is necessary include the following:

• Unprovoked and spontaneous pain
• Pain that happens when you bite down
• Temperature sensitivity that lingers
• Tender, red and swollen gums
• Swelling in your face
• Darkening tooth

When you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to call our root canal dentist right away.

Which Is Better: a Qualified Root Canal Dentist in Gainesville or an Endodontist?

Either one of these dental professionals can get you started with a root canal procedure. General dentists are trained to perform root canals in dental school, but they will occasionally refer a patient to an endodontist when their root canal is complicated or for retreatment. An endodontist undergoes an extra two years of training on how to treat diseased tooth pulp after graduation from dental school. If you’re unsure of which type of specialist or dentist you need, then our friendly team can help you find the best one to fit your needs.

What Should I Experience During a Typical Root Canal Procedure?

The majority of the anxiety that occurs with a root canal procedure comes from not knowing what to expect. Once our root canal specialist starts, you can expect the whole procedure to last around an hour. Sometimes, molars take longer, but we’ll do our best to make sure you are comfortable the whole time. During the procedure, you can expect to work through the following steps:

• The dentist will apply an anesthetic to numb the affected area. They will not start until you cannot feel any pain.
• The root canal specialist uses a special sheet of rubber that has a hole to allow the tooth to stick out of it. This isolates the tooth to prevent saliva and bacteria from getting into the canals.
• The dentist makes an access cavity in the enamel to make it possible to reach the canals. This hole is very small and usually placed on the chewing surface or back of your tooth.
• Your dentist uses their tiny, thin tools to clan and smooth the canals into hollow tubes. They’ll finish this step by irrigating the canals to remove any debris. Your experience should be painless throughout the process.
• The specialist or dentist fills in the canals with biocompatible material and uses dental cement to seal them.
• Temporary fillings close the cavity, and dentists remove the materials when you are ready to get your final custom root canal crown to complete the procedure.

You might have some minor discomfort for one or two days after your root canal that can be relieved with general over-the-counter pain medication. Your new crown will allow you to eat your favorite foods comfortably again since it is designed to be strong.

How Much Should I Expect My Root Canal to Cost?

Root canals can have widely different costs due to differences that include the number of roots and the type of final crown you choose. Usually, molars cost more than a front tooth due to them having more canals. Dental insurance plans typically cover some of the cost for root canals, but individual policies vary in how much financial assistance they provide. When you reach out to our team at Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics, we’ll help you connect with a root canal provider in Gainesville who can perform an exam that gives you a better idea of your anticipated cost for the procedure.

Do Some Situations Require a Special Type of Root Canal?

Yes, there are special types of root canals that include an apicoectomy which is a form of endodontic surgery that specialists use to help people with infected teeth after they have a failed nonsurgical treatment. Pediatric pulpotomies are other types that we use on baby teeth. This leads to the pulp in the roots and is designed to save space in the mouth that helps adult teeth come in later with proper alignment.

Are Root Canals Really That Painful?

If you hear someone say that their root canal was painful, then something went wrong or it was done a long time ago. With modern root canals, our dentists use anesthetics and other techniques to ensure that your root canal treatment is painless. Avoiding a root canal is much more painful. Procrastinating on this important procedure allows infections to worsen, which can lead to pain that keeps you up all night.

What’s the Best Way to Find a Dentist for Root Canal Near Me?

You’re already on your way toward finding the right root canal dentist in your area. Now, all you have to do is call Atlas Walk Dental & Orthodontics to schedule an appointment at one of our clinics. Remember that the sooner you call for an appointment, then the faster you’ll find relief. From start to finish, we’ll make sure your root canal is a seamless experience.