Non Surgical Root Canal 

When a tooth’s damage or decay has reached the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to save it. The pulp is made up of tissues, nerves, and blood vessels and is the living portion of the tooth. If it becomes infected, the tooth dies and has to be removed. Infection may also spread to other teeth and the jawbone, causing serious damage. A non-surgical root canal can save the tooth and prevent complications, providing much-needed relief from the pain.

What is a Non-Surgical Root Canal?

A non-surgical root canal treats the infection and saves the tooth to avoid extraction. Non-surgical root canals are performed without incisions into the gums or jawbone. We use special dental tools to access the pulp through the tooth’s crown, then clean the root canals and fill them with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material designed to preserve the tooth’s integrity and prevent re-infection.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

• Severe, persistent toothache lasting two weeks or longer
• Toothache that worsens when biting or applying pressure
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
• A pimple or bump on the gums
• A darkened or discolored tooth
• Inflamed, tender gums around a tooth

Non-Surgical vs. Traditional Root Canal

A non-surgical root canal is performed in our office under local anesthesia. Because we enter through the crown of the tooth, there are no surgical incisions, and recovery is relatively quick.

A traditional root canal, on the other hand, requires a surgical incision in the gums and jawbone to access the tooth’s roots. After the pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and filled. The root tip and jawbone may need either a filling or bone graft before the gums are sutured closed. Recovery takes longer due to the invasive surgery.

Non-Surgical Root Canal Procedure

Drs. Hilali and Santana perform non-surgical, painless root canals in our dental office. In most cases, it takes about an hour, and you can return to your normal routine the next day. The typical procedure follows these steps:

• We numb the area with a local anesthetic.
• We may offer nitrous oxide for patients with dental anxiety for a more comfortable experience.
• We use a dental drill to access the pulp by making a small hole in the tooth’s crown.
• The infected pulp is removed using specialized, flexible files.
• The root canals are cleaned and disinfected.
• We fill the empty canals with gutta-percha to preserve the tooth’s integrity and prevent re-infection.
• The tooth is sealed shut to prevent re-infection.

Benefits of a Non-Surgical Root Canal

Non-surgical root canals are preferable for most patients unless the infection has spread to the jawbone or the root tip has to be removed and replaced. The benefits include:

• Painless Root Canal: Because no surgery is involved and we numb the area, patients feel no pain during the procedure and very little post-procedure discomfort.
• Faster Recovery: Most patients can return to normal activities the same or the next day. There is minimal discomfort or swelling.
• Highly Effective: A non-surgical root canal treats tooth decay and infection as effectively as the surgical option. It can save the tooth from extraction without surgery.

Non-Surgical Root Canal Recovery Timeline

Some patients hear “root canal” and worry about long recovery times and pain. With non-surgical root canals, recovery is quicker, and pain is minimal.

• Day of Root Canal: After the anesthetic wears off, you may have some mild discomfort or swelling. Ibuprofen can help, and you can resume normal activities when you feel up to them.
• Days 1-3: Eat soft foods and avoid anything crunchy, sticky, or chewy. Be careful when brushing your teeth, avoiding the area around the root canal until a permanent crown is placed over the tooth.
• Week 1: You can gradually add normal foods back to your diet. By the end of the week, you should feel fully recovered.
• Follow-Up Appointment: About a week after the procedure, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to examine the tooth and ensure the root canal is properly healed. At that time, we may place a permanent crown.

We Provide Affordable Root Canal Therapy at Gentle Dentistry of Tamarac

For anyone suffering from severe tooth pain or infection, a non-surgical root canal is often the best way to save the tooth and relieve pain. Drs. Hilali and Santana offer six-month, 0% financing for qualifying procedures to ensure no patient has to forego the dental care they need for total dental health. Call our office today at Gentle Dentistry of Tamarac Phone Number (954) 720-0701 to find out more.

Our Dentists in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area are Here for You!

We proudly offer our experienced dental services to patients living in Tamarac and the surrounding townships of:

• Sunrise FL
• Tamarac FL
• Plantation Florida
• Coral Springs Florida
• Weston Florida
• Parkland Florida
• Fort Lauderdale Florida