Root Canal Treatment in Largo, FL

What Is a Root Canal?

Inside each tooth is a space called the pulp chamber, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed — from deep decay, a crack, or injury — root canal therapy removes the infected or inflamed tissue, cleans the space, and seals it.

The goal is to save the tooth. After a root canal, the tooth no longer has living tissue inside, but it stays in place and continues to function.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Common signs that a tooth may need root canal therapy include:

• Lasting tooth pain that doesn't go away on its own
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed
• Swelling or tenderness near a tooth
• A darkened tooth

These symptoms don't always mean a root canal is needed — only an exam and x-rays can tell for sure. If you're having tooth pain, call us at (727) 584-9200.

Why Save the Tooth?

Keeping your natural tooth has real advantages. It lets you chew normally and keeps the teeth next to it from shifting into the gap over time. A tooth that has been treated with a root canal and protected with a crown can continue to function like a natural tooth.

When a tooth can't be saved, we'll explain your options for replacing it — including dental implants and dentures.

What to Expect

We start with an exam and x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and plan the treatment. The area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthetic. We then clean and seal the inside of the tooth.

After the procedure, we'll talk with you about protecting the tooth — many teeth need a crown after a root canal to keep them from cracking under normal biting forces.

Nervous About a Root Canal?

The tooth is numbed before treatment begins, so most patients are comfortable throughout the procedure. Oral conscious sedation for adults is also available if you'd prefer a more relaxed experience. You remain conscious and able to respond, but deeply at ease.

Let us know when you call if sedation is something you'd like to discuss.

After Treatment

Many teeth need a dental crown in Largo after a root canal to protect them from fracturing. We'll let you know whether your tooth needs one and plan the next step.

Follow your aftercare instructions and call us if pain or swelling gets worse instead of better.

Root Canal or Extraction?

We look at ways to save the tooth first. When a tooth can't be saved, extraction may be the right choice. We'll explain what we find and what your options are.

If a tooth does need to come out, see our pages on tooth extractions in Largo and dental implants for information on replacing it.

Cost, Insurance and Financing

Many dental plans cover part of the cost of root canal therapy. Cost depends on which tooth is treated and your individual situation, and we give you the full cost before treatment begins.

We are in-network with these PPO dental plans: Aetna, Cigna, Delta Dental, MetLife, United Healthcare, and BCBS Florida Combined Life. We are also in-network with these Medicare Advantage plans: Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Humana.

We accept most PPO dental plans. If your plan isn't listed, call (727) 584-9200 and we'll check your benefits. We file claims for patients.

Patients without insurance may qualify for our in-office dental discount plan. CareCredit and Sunbit financing are available.

Serving Largo and nearby: Clearwater, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Pinellas Park, and Indian Rocks Beach.