1430 S. Dixie Hwy Ste 312, Coral Gables, FL 33146   |   Get Directions
 305-661-8240
University Dental Group
University Dental Group in Coral Gables

Coral Gables Root Canal Therapy

The words, Root Canal, often have the erroneous pairing with thoughts of pain. The Root Canal procedure does not cause pain, but in actuality, relieves it. At University Dental Group, we can relieve the pain of infection and restore your natural tooth structure to health. Known to dentists as Endodontic therapy, Root Canals are performed to save a tooth when the inside portion, known as the pulp, of the tooth has become infected. Without a root canal, the tooth would require extraction.

Our dentists, Dr. Morales and Dr. Garcia can relieve the pain and restore your tooth through the process of endodontic therapy.

Why Do I Not Want to Ignore Tooth Pain?

Our lives are busy, and adults are known to put their needs on the back burner. Ignoring tooth pain is something many adults will try to do until the pain becomes unbearable. We don’t want you to do that for multiple reasons including:

  • Pain is an indicator of infection
  • Pain from a tooth will never just “go away” your teeth can not heal infection on their own
  • The infection causes damage, this damage may not be limited to one spot, it can spread, affecting neighboring teeth and/or bone
  • A tooth can needlessly die and then need to be extracted, it is always better to keep your natural teeth when you can

How Did My Tooth Become Infected?

A tooth becomes infected when passage allows bacteria to enter. Passage for bacteria can occur due to many reasons, the tooth may have cracks or fractures, a deep cavity, previous dental work, crowns, impact trauma, or wear due to grinding or clenching, known as Bruxism.

Root Canal Therapy Procedure

The Root Canal procedure begins with numbing the area to increase your comfort and reduce any pain. One of our dentists, Dr. Morales or Dr. Garcia will then need to drill into the tooth to gain access to the pulp. The pulp of your tooth was necessary for development, but once the tooth is fully grown it receives nourishment from the surrounding tissues. For a root canal procedure, it is necessary to remove the pulp, which is the nerve, blood vessels, and some connective tissue, along with removing the pulp, any infected debris or bacteria is removed, eliminating the infection. The now-empty space is cleaned and filled with a medicated rubber material. The tooth’s surface is repaired with bonding material and, depending on the location of the tooth, a dental crown may be suggested to provide additional strength to the tooth.

At University Dental Group, we feel that having a root canal procedure done on a tooth is the treatment of choice in order to save a tooth that otherwise would die and then need to be removed. Saving your natural teeth is best for long-term results.

It is important to note, that while root canal therapy has a high degree of success, it is not 100% guaranteed. In most situations, it is important to have a permanent restoration, like a dental crown, placed within 30 days of the root canal. If a permanent restoration is not placed, the tooth can fracture or further decay to the point where the root canal must be re-done or, worse, the tooth must be removed.

Your Coral Gables dentists want the best for your oral health, and restoring your natural teeth has the best long-term advantages.

At times the tooth requiring treatment has a complex root or the infection is such that it needs a specialist, called an endodontist, to examine and complete root canal therapy. Dr. Morales or Dr. Garcia will work closely with our endodontic specialist to review your treatment case, send necessary records to their office, and place the crown after your root canal is completed. Our office staff will help coordinate your appointments and help you understand your financial responsibility.