Root Canal Treatment
A bad toothache has a way of taking over your whole day. If the inside of a tooth has become infected or inflamed, a root canal is often the treatment that ends the pain and saves the tooth — so you keep your own tooth instead of losing it. At Island Dentists, we do root canal treatment right here in Palatka, gently and without the drama the procedure’s reputation suggests. Not sure whether you need a root canal or an extraction? Read Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal: How to Know Which One You Need.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
A tooth that needs root canal treatment usually lets you know. Common signs include:
- A persistent, deep toothache, or pain when you bite down or chew
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t settle after a minute or two
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum near a particular tooth
- A tooth that has darkened or changed color compared to the ones beside it
- A pimple-like bump on the gum, or a bad taste that keeps coming back
- A deep cavity, crack, or injury to a tooth, even if it isn’t hurting yet
Some teeth that need treatment cause no pain at all and turn up on an exam or x-ray. If you have any of these signs, it is worth getting looked at sooner rather than later — infections in a tooth do not clear up on their own, and waiting usually means fewer options.
What to Expect During a Root Canal
- Exam and x-ray. We look at the tooth, take an x-ray to see what is happening below the gum line, and confirm whether a root canal is the right treatment.
- Numbing the area. We fully numb the tooth and the area around it before we begin. You should not feel the procedure itself.
- Cleaning out the tooth. We make a small opening in the tooth, remove the infected or inflamed tissue from inside it, and clean and shape the inner canals.
- Sealing. The cleaned space is filled and sealed so bacteria cannot get back in.
- Restoring the tooth. Most back teeth need a crown<\/a> afterward to protect them from cracking, since a treated tooth is more brittle than it was. We will talk through what your specific tooth needs.
Many root canals are completed in a single visit, though some cases need two. We will give you a realistic idea of the timeline for your tooth at your exam.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
This is the question almost everyone asks, so here is a straight answer: the procedure itself should not hurt. The tooth is thoroughly numbed first, and most patients are surprised by how routine it feels. What hurts is the infected tooth beforehand — the root canal is what stops that.
It is normal for the tooth to feel tender for a few days afterward, usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. If anything feels wrong while you are healing, call us. We would much rather hear from you than have you wait it out.
Root Canal or Extraction?
Sometimes a tooth is too far gone to save and removing it<\/a> is the better call. But when a root canal is an option, keeping your natural tooth is almost always worth it — your own tooth fits your bite, holds neighboring teeth in position, and needs no replacement. Pulling a tooth is not the end of the process; it usually starts a conversation about a bridge, a partial, or an implant. We will lay out both paths honestly, with costs, so you can decide.
Paying for Your Root Canal
Island Dentists accepts dental insurance, including Medicare Advantage plans, and offers financing through CareCredit and Cherry, so treating a painful tooth doesn’t have to wait on the money. We’re also an approved VA Community Care provider, and root canals are among the services covered under that program for eligible veterans. New patients are always welcome — call (386) 385-3700 and our front desk can check what your specific plan covers before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, and many are finished in a single visit. More complex teeth, especially molars with several canals, sometimes need a second appointment. We’ll tell you which is likely after we look at your x-ray.
Is it better to get a root canal or just pull the tooth?
When the tooth can be saved, saving it is usually the better long-term choice — a natural tooth keeps your bite and spacing intact and needs no replacement. Extraction is the right answer for some teeth, and we’ll be honest with you about which situation you’re in.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually yes, especially on back teeth that do the heavy chewing, because a treated tooth becomes more brittle and can crack without one. Some front teeth can be restored with a filling instead. We’ll explain what your tooth needs and what it costs before anything is scheduled.
Where can I get a root canal near me in Palatka?
Island Dentists provides root canal treatment right here in Palatka at 1023 St. Johns Avenue. Dr. Namiranian has completed advanced training in root canal therapy. Call (386) 385-3700 to schedule an exam.
Will insurance cover a root canal?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canal treatment, and VA Community Care covers it for eligible veterans. Our front desk can check your benefits before your appointment, and CareCredit financing is available for any remaining balance.
What happens if I put off a root canal?
An infection inside a tooth doesn’t resolve on its own. Left alone it tends to spread, which can mean worsening pain, swelling, and eventually losing a tooth that could have been saved. If a root canal has been recommended, sooner is genuinely cheaper and simpler than later.
Tooth pain that won’t quit? Call Island Dentists at (386) 385-3700 or contact us online to get it looked at. New patients are always welcome.