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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Exam and X-rays: We confirm that the pulp is infected or damaged and assess the shape of the roots.
Numbing: Local anesthesia keeps the area comfortable.
Cleaning: We make a small opening in the top of the tooth and remove the damaged pulp.
Disinfecting and Shaping: The canals inside the roots are cleaned and prepared.
Sealing: The canals are filled with a sealing material to keep bacteria out.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our dentists' goal is simple: keep your natural teeth whenever possible and make the process as comfortable as possible.
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. 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Most root canals are finished in two appointments, but timing can vary.
Back teeth usually do, to protect them from breaking. We can often place a same-day CEREC® crown.
With a good crown and regular care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last many years, often a lifetime.
The infection can spread, cause more pain and swelling, and damage the bone. The tooth may eventually need to be pulled.
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.
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 AppointmentWays to enter:
Questions? Ask our team or call (386) 426-2191.