Root canal therapy is designed to save a tooth when the inner pulp becomes infected, inflamed or severely damaged. At Maitland Square Dentistry, Dr. David Hazan provides root canal therapy in Maitland, Florida, to relieve pain, treat infection and help patients preserve their natural teeth whenever possible.
The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach this tissue through deep decay, cracks, fractures or other damage, the pulp can become inflamed or infected. Without treatment, the infection may worsen, cause an abscess or eventually lead to tooth loss.
Dr. Hazan has nearly three decades of experience providing root canal treatment and has completed more than 5,000 root canal cases. He has also completed more than 1,000 hours of continuing education in endodontics and root canal therapy.
When Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?
Root canal therapy may be recommended when infection or inflammation reaches the inner portion of a tooth. Symptoms can vary, and some infected teeth may not cause obvious discomfort at first.
Signs that a tooth may need evaluation include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness around a tooth
- A pimple or bump on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- A cracked or severely damaged tooth
- Signs of a dental abscess or infection
These symptoms do not always mean you need a root canal, but they should be evaluated by our dentist so the cause can be identified and appropriate treatment can be recommended.
How Root Canal Treatment Saves a Tooth
The purpose of a root canal is to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth while preserving the natural tooth structure. Rather than removing the entire tooth, treatment focuses on cleaning and sealing the internal root canal system. Once the infection has been addressed, the tooth can usually be restored so it can continue to function as part of your smile.
Saving a natural tooth when appropriate can help preserve chewing function, maintain tooth alignment and reduce the need for tooth replacement.
The Root Canal Therapy Process
Treatment begins with a careful examination of the affected tooth. Dr. Hazan may use dental X-rays and other diagnostic information to evaluate the roots, surrounding bone and extent of the problem. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area and help keep you comfortable. A small opening is then made in the tooth so Dr. Hazan can access the pulp chamber and root canals.
The infected or damaged pulp is removed, and the canals are carefully cleaned and disinfected. Once the internal space has been prepared, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to help prevent reinfection.
After root canal therapy, the tooth typically needs a restoration, such as a dental crown, to protect it and restore function.
Restoring Your Tooth After a Root Canal
A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy may be more vulnerable to fracture, particularly if a significant amount of tooth structure was damaged by decay or infection.
Depending on the condition and location of the tooth, Dr. Hazan may recommend a dental crown or composite filling to restore and protect it.
The goal is to reinforce the treated tooth so it can continue to function comfortably as part of your bite.
Experienced Root Canal Treatment
Dr. Hazan has provided root canal treatment for nearly three decades and has completed more than 5,000 root canal cases throughout his career. He has also completed more than 1,000 hours of continuing education in endodontics and root canal therapy. This experience supports careful diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with infected, painful or significantly damaged teeth.
Dr. Hazan also frequently treats patients with complex dental concerns, including those seeking emergency care, second opinions or solutions for extensive or failed previous dental work.
Root Canal Therapy for Dental Emergencies
A severely infected tooth can cause significant pain and may require prompt treatment. In some cases, root canal therapy can be used to address the source of an urgent dental problem while preserving the natural tooth.
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, swelling or another urgent concern, emergency dental care may be appropriate. Dr. Hazan will evaluate the condition of the tooth and determine whether root canal therapy, extraction or another treatment is the most appropriate option.
Root Canals vs. Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is infected or significantly damaged, patients sometimes wonder whether it should be treated with a root canal or removed. When the tooth can be predictably restored, root canal therapy may allow you to preserve your natural tooth. If the tooth is fractured, severely compromised or cannot be restored successfully, tooth extraction may need to be considered.
Dr. Hazan has extensive experience with both root canal treatment and tooth extractions, allowing him to evaluate the condition of the tooth and explain the available options before you make a decision.
Comfort During Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy is intended to address the source of tooth pain rather than cause it. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area before treatment begins, and our team takes steps to help you remain comfortable throughout your visit. Dr. Hazan has also completed training in sedation dentistry, which may be available upon request for appropriate patients who experience dental anxiety or need additional support during treatment.
Our approach is centered on personalized, no-pressure care. We will explain what we find, discuss your options and help you understand each stage of treatment.
Schedule Root Canal Therapy in Maitland, FL
If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling or signs of infection, prompt evaluation may help determine whether the tooth can be saved.
Contact our office at 407-677-5400 to schedule an appointment for root canal therapy in Maitland, FL. Our dentist and team will evaluate the tooth and help you understand the appropriate next step.
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is a treatment used to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth. The canals are cleaned, disinfected, filled and sealed so the natural tooth can often be preserved rather than removed.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Possible signs include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when chewing, swelling, tooth discoloration or a dental abscess. These symptoms can have several causes, so an evaluation by our dentist is necessary to determine whether root canal therapy is appropriate.
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area before the procedure begins. Root canal therapy is performed to remove infected or inflamed tissue that may be causing pain, and our team will work to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.
How long does root canal therapy take?
The treatment timeline depends on the tooth, number of canals and complexity of the infection. Some cases may be completed in one visit, while others may require additional treatment. Dr. Hazan will explain the expected timeline after evaluating your tooth.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Many teeth benefit from a crown after root canal therapy, especially back teeth that experience significant chewing forces. In other cases, a different restoration may be appropriate. Dr. Hazan will recommend the restoration best suited to protect the treated tooth.
Can a root canal save an infected tooth?
In many cases, yes. Root canal therapy removes infected or damaged pulp and seals the internal canal system, allowing a tooth that can still be restored to remain in the mouth.
Is a root canal better than extracting the tooth?
The right treatment depends on the condition of the tooth. If the tooth can be predictably restored, preserving it with root canal therapy may be appropriate. If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be recommended. Our dentist will explain both options when applicable.
What happens if an infected tooth is not treated?
An untreated dental infection may worsen, cause additional pain or swelling, form an abscess or affect surrounding tissues. If you suspect a tooth is infected, contact our office promptly for an evaluation.