Root Canal Treatment in New Smyrna Beach, FL

A root canal can stop the pain, clear the infection, and save your natural tooth. At Atlantic Family Dentistry, you can get root canal treatment from the same team that handles your cleanings and checkups. We perform root canals on front teeth, premolars, and molars in our office. Local anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable, with sedation options for anxious patients.

Additionally, many teeth are finished with a same-day CEREC® crown!

‍Call (386) 426-2191 if you have tooth pain or think you may need a root canal.

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside every tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack, or an injury allows bacteria to reach the pulp, the pulp can become inflamed or infected.
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A root canal removes the damaged pulp, cleans and seals the inside of the tooth, and protects it from future infection. Without treatment, the infection can spread, damage the bone around the tooth, and eventually cause the tooth to be lost.
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Saving your natural tooth is usually the best choice when it's possible. If a tooth can't be saved, we'll explain your replacement options, including dental implants.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

  • Tooth pain that lingers or throbs

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn't go away after the food or drink is gone

  • Pain when you bite down or chew

  • Swelling in your gums or face

  • A pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth

  • A tooth that has darkened in color

  • A cracked or chipped tooth that hurts

Some infected teeth cause no pain at all, which is one reason regular checkups and x-rays matter.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Most patients say a root canal feels much like getting a filling. The pain people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection itself, not the treatment. Removing the infected tissue is what brings relief.
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To keep you comfortable:

  • We numb the tooth and the surrounding area completely before starting

  • Sedation options are available if you feel anxious

  • We check in with you throughout the procedure

How a Root Canal Works

  1. Exam and X-rays: We confirm that the pulp is infected or damaged and assess the shape of the roots.

  2. Numbing: Local anesthesia keeps the area comfortable.

  3. Cleaning: We make a small opening in the top of the tooth and remove the damaged pulp.

  4. Disinfecting and Shaping: The canals inside the roots are cleaned and prepared.

  5. Sealing: The canals are filled with a sealing material to keep bacteria out.

  6. Restoring: The tooth is protected with a filling or, more often, a crown.

Most root canals are completed in one visit. Some teeth need a second visit, and we'll let you know ahead of time if yours does.

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Finish Your Tooth with a Same-Day Crown

After a root canal, back teeth usually need a crown to protect them from cracking. With our in-office CEREC® technology, we can often make and place that crown in about an hour, so there's no temporary crown and no extra wait.

When We Refer to an Endodontist

Most root canals, including those on molars, are done right here in our office. Some cases require an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canals, such as teeth with unusual root shapes or curved or blocked canals. That’s why we always take X-rays before recommending a root canal.

If we notice that your tooth needs that level of care during this step, we'll refer you to an endodontist, coordinate with them, and you can come back to us for your crown.

After Your Root Canal

  • Mild tenderness for a few days is normal

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers, taken as directed, usually help

  • Avoid chewing on that side until your final crown or filling is placed

  • Keep brushing and flossing normally

  • Call us if you have severe pain, swelling, or a reaction to medication

Most people go back to work or school the next day.

Tooth Pain That Can't Wait?

Severe pain, swelling, or a fever with tooth pain can mean a spreading infection. Call us right away, or see our emergency dental care page for what to do in the meantime.

The Dentists Working to Save Your Tooth

Our dentists' goal is simple: keep your natural teeth whenever possible and make the process as comfortable as possible.

Dr. Mitchell: Comfort-Focused Care for Nervous Patients

If the words "root canal" make you uneasy, Dr. Mitchell is a good dentist to have in your corner.

  • Treating tooth pain and infection since 1996

  • Advanced training in dental sedation for anxious patients

  • Trained in implant placement, so he can walk you through every option if a tooth can't be saved

  • Continuing education through Spear Education

  • Member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry

Dr. Tony Yassa: Honest Answers When You're in Pain

Dr. Yassa knows that tooth pain is stressful. He takes time to explain what's happening and why a root canal may help.

  • Dental degree from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine

  • Biomedical sciences background from the University of South Florida

  • Clear, compassionate guidance through each treatment decision

  • A longtime member of the New Smyrna Beach community

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Covering the Cost of Your Root Canal

A root canal treats an infection and saves a tooth, so many dental plans cover part of it. We'll review your benefits with you before starting.

Insurance support

  • We check your coverage and explain it in plain terms

  • We file your claim electronically

  • We accept assignment of benefits, so your plan pays our office directly

Ways to pay your portion

  • Cash or check

  • Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express

  • CareCredit® offers monthly payments for qualified applicants

*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Visit www.carecredit.com for details.

Root Canal Treatment Near You

Our office is at 611 S. Dixie Freeway in New Smyrna Beach. We treat patients from New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, and Port Orange.

Root Canal FAQs in New Smyrna Beach, FL

Are your dentists root canal specialists?

No. Our dentists are general dentists who perform root canals on front and back teeth in our office. If a case is complex, we refer you to an endodontist.

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals are finished in two appointments, but timing can vary.

Will I need a crown after my root canal?

Back teeth usually do, to protect them from breaking. We can often place a same-day CEREC® crown.

How long does a root-canal-treated tooth last?

With a good crown and regular care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last many years, often a lifetime.

What happens if I don't get a root canal?

The infection can spread, cause more pain and swelling, and damage the bone. The tooth may eventually need to be pulled.

How can I prevent a tooth from falling out?

Treat decay and infection early. A root canal can save a tooth that would otherwise be lost. Brushing, flossing, and regular checkups help prevent problems in the first place.

Can I go back to work after a root canal?

Most people return to normal activities the same day or the next day. If you have sedation, plan to rest for the remainder of the day.

Contact Our Office To Schedule Your Appointment

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