Exam, digital X-rays and a basic cleaning. New patients with healthy gums.
Book the $65 visitKeep 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.
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.
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
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.
The tooth and the area around it are numbed. If dental visits make you anxious, ask about nitrous oxide or oral sedation.
The dentist opens the tooth, removes the damaged pulp, cleans the canals and seals them.
A filling or crown goes on to seal and strengthen the tooth. Back teeth usually need a crown.
The dentist recommends one after the exam. It depends on how much healthy tooth is left.
Removes the infected pulp and seals the tooth. Usually the first choice when enough healthy tooth remains.
A tooth that has had a root canal can be more brittle. A crown covers it so it can handle chewing.
Crowns and bridgesWhen too little healthy tooth is left, the tooth is removed and can be replaced with an implant or a bridge.
Tooth extractionThe 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.
The tooth can feel tender for a few days. Chew on the other side until it has its permanent filling or crown.
A temporary filling is not meant to last. Putting off the permanent restoration can leave the tooth open to new decay or a fracture.
Brush and floss as usual. A tooth that has had a root canal can still get decay around it, so keep your checkups.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Google reviews from patients of our Tamarac office.
Tell us what you need and a team member will call you to confirm a time. New patients are always welcome.
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Call (954) 322-3865We only use your details to contact you about your visit.
It takes about a minute.
During office hours, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
New patients can start with the $65 exam, digital X-rays and basic cleaning.
Metropolitan Smile Design in Tamarac sees emergencies and new patients from across Broward County. Our team speaks English and Spanish.
