Miami's Premier Dentist for Root Canals
We pride ourselves in delivering exceptional patient care for all cosmetic, general, and oral surgery needs. If you have been told you need a root canal by another dentist, or if you suspect you may need one, please reach out to us to schedule a consultation. Call us at (786) 916-6937.
Miami's Premier Dentist for Root Canals
When you need a root canal in Miami, the expert team at North Miami Dental Group is here for byou. Our talented endodontist, Dr. Lauren Mitchell, has over 23+ years of experience treating patients with varying degrees of tooth decay and gum disease. She has performed thousands of successful root canals to help her patients live pain-free and protect their teeth.
What Are Root Canals?
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected tissue from a tooth, cleans the area it was in, and seals it to protect the tooth from decay. This tissue is called pulp, and it is inside the innermost layer of your tooth. Pulp forms as your teeth develop, but it can become infected or inflamed (pulpitis) due to decay, repeated dental treatments, cracks, or in some cases, injury.
The actual root canal is a pathway that contains nerves and blood vessels. The root canal is connected to the pulp chamber, which Dr. Mitchell will first access through the top of your tooth (crown) to clean and disinfect.
Benefits of Root Canals
No one should have to live with dental pain. By undergoing root canal treatment, you can eliminate the discomfort and sensitivity of infected or inflamed pulp. At the same time, root canal therapy also helps prevent further infection, which could lead to eventual tooth loss, serious gum disease or systemic infection. This occurs when infection from a tooth enters the bloodstream and affects other parts of your body.
Preservation of Natural Tooth
Pain Relief
Functional Restoration
Cosmetic Enhancement
Improvement in Oral Health
Prevention of Further Infection
How Is a Root Canal Performed?
The root canal procedure does not take long, and it is not as painful as many people make it out to be. We take every measure to make you as comfortable as possible, which includes using a local anesthetic injection to completely numb the treatment site.
Dr. Mitchell will make sure you are fully comfortable before she makes a small hole in the crown of the affected tooth. Then, she will use small dental tools to remove all of the pulp. Afterward, she cleans and disinfects the pulp chamber and root canal. Some teeth have multiple root canals that can be treated together in one or two appointments.
Once your pulp chamber and root canal are clean, Dr. Mitchell fills it with a substance called gutta-percha. This fills the canal and chamber to protect it from future infection.
Finally, a dental crown is placed over your treated tooth. This crown can be made of metal, gold or porcelain. Porcelain crowns are the most preferred due to durability and their natural-looking appearance.
Completing a root canal takes two to three weeks on average. Even though your root canal will only take an hour or two, the crown will be custom-made. Once it arrives at our office, we will schedule you for the placement, and you’ll be ready to complete treatment!
Average Recovery Time for a Root Canal
Contrary to what you may have heard, a root canal recovery. is actually quite short. You should expect your root canal to take between 2 to 3 days to heal. During this time, you may experience some tenderness and sensitivity, but this will resolve on its own. Over-the-counter pain relievers and applying a cool compress can also help you feel more comfortable following your procedure.
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
There are several tests endodontists use to determine if someone needs a root canal. This includes:
Tapping the tooth to assess its sensitivity.
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Applying air, heat or cold to the tooth.
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Perform an electric pulp test (EPT) to see if your pulp reacts to a painless current sent through the tooth.
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Examining your mouth for signs of swelling and infection.
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Before visiting the dentist, you may notice signs that you need a root canal, including pain that doesn’t go away, difficulty biting or chewing, darkened or red gums and a discolored tooth.
Any time you notice something feels off, do not hesitate to reach out to us for care. We are happy to look at your tooth and offer recommendations for alleviating your pain or discomfort.
Ideal candidates for root canals are in good general health, though many currently struggle with gum disease and tooth decay. This is okay. Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan and perform a safe, gentle root canal that puts you on the path toward better oral health.
Average Cost of a Root Canal
The cost of a root canal varies extensively based on the level of infection and the tooth that needs treatment. Molars are multi-root structures, so they are more difficult to treat and tend to cost more.
Because root canals are so important to your overall health, many health insurance plans do cover a portion of them. Be sure to check with your provider before booking treatment. We would also be happy to discuss your policy and coverage options at our practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Finance a Root Canal?
Our caring staff is happy to discuss financing options with you if you’re unable to pay for a root canal out of pocket. We also encourage you to speak with your insurance provider to better understand your coverage. Many health and dental plans cover endodontics because of how important your oral health is to your overall well-being.
Can I Eat After Root Canal?
How Long Do Root Canals Last?
Root canals can be permanent with proper care, though some patients need a root canal repeated if the crown becomes loose and falls off, the tooth fractures, or new decay forms under the tooth.
With a highly skilled endodontist like Dr. Mitchell performing your root canal treatment, you have a much higher success rate.
While the root canal itself can get rid of infection and inflammation, the dental crown that covers the treated tooth will need to be replaced every 10 years or so.
What Type of Anesthesia for a Root Canal?
Root canals can be safely performed under local anesthesia. Your endodontist will inject a numbing agent into the surrounding tissue to make sure that you are completely comfortable during treatment.
How Long to Heal From a Root Canal?
After two to three days, your root canal will be completely healed. Some patients may have tenderness for a few days after treatment. You will need to return to our office to have the crown placed over your treated tooth, making the total treatment time for a root canal and crown two to three weeks.
Can Root Canals Be Redone?
Absolutely. If you had a root canal in the past that has failed, we would be happy to treat you. While we do like to avoid repeating root canals multiple times, many patients can benefit from having their procedure repeated by an expert after a previous cleaning was unsuccessful.
Does Root Canal Hurt During Procedure?
A root canal is no more painful than having a filling or a tooth removed. It is a comfortable procedure that you can tolerate with local anesthesia. If you have dental anxiety or you are concerned about pain during your root canal, you can always talk to us about it. We will do everything to make sure that you are completely comfortable during your treatment.
Schedule Your VIP Consultation With Miami's Root Canal Leader
Reach out to us at North Miami Dental Group today to schedule your consultation with Doctor Lauren Mitchell. You can contact us online or call our practice on Biscayne Boulevard at (786) 916-6937. We look forward to helping you feel better!
