Dentist in Pembroke Pines, FL answers your questions about root canal treatment
Do you have a tooth that is unusually sensitive to hot and cold, or hurts when you bite down? A nagging toothache that comes and goes? A tooth that looks gray? If so, it is time to have an experienced dentist examine your mouth. Root canal therapy could help you avoid the acute pain and urgent health risk of an abscess and increase chance of saving the natural tooth. This treatment is one of the restorative services provided by Dr. Milton Ruiz at Pines Dental Associates in Pembroke Pines, FL.
What is endodontic treatment?
Harmful oral bacteria can reach the nerve center of a tooth through untreated decay or even a hairline fracture. They multiply in the pulp chamber, creating infection, inflammation, and pressure. Endodontic treatment, commonly referred to as “getting a root canal” relieves discomfort through removal of nerves, while keeping the tooth intact in the jawbone.
Do root canals hurt?
While this procedure gets a bad rap, root canal therapy actually alleviates pain from an infected tooth root. You are thoroughly numbed, which brings instant relief, and once nerves are removed, the tooth no longer has sensation. Most people recover quickly, managing residual pain with a day or two of over-the-counter analgesics. For severe infections, Dr. Ruiz may prescribe pain medication and/or antibiotics.
Is there qualified care for root canal near me?
If you are in Hollywood, Miramar, or Cooper City, the answer is a resounding “yes!” Dr. Ruiz has more than 25 years of clinical experience. He has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education, some focused on endodontics. While the success of root canal therapy depends on many factors and cannot be guaranteed, his record for avoiding extraction is excellent.
What can I expect during root canal treatment in Pembroke Pines, FL?
Most patients are surprised that root canal therapy is about like getting a filling (the appointment just takes a little longer).
- Decayed or damaged structure is removed
- The pulp chamber is opened
- After vascular and nerve tissue is removed, canals are sanitized and sealed
- The tooth is protected with a temporary restoration, while a porcelain crown is made
With healthy oral habits, you may never need root canal therapy. If you do, though, isn’t it good to know an experienced root canal dentist in Pembroke Pines, FL can be reached at (954) 715-4660 for prompt root canal pain relief?
FAQs
When is a root canal needed?
If the inside of a tooth has become infected and inflamed due to severe damage or decay, cracks or chips, or multiple dental procedures performed on the tooth, a root canal (endodontic) treatment may be necessary to remove the infected pulp. If it is not treated, it can result in pain, forming abscesses, and spreading an infection to other teeth.
How do I know if I need root canal therapy?
If you have severe tooth pain when you chew or apply pressure to the area, tooth or gum discoloration, sensitivity or pain to hot or cold temperatures, and swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums, you may need a root canal.
Is root canal therapy better than a tooth extraction?
There is nothing to beat natural teeth, so if you can save your natural teeth, that option is always better. A tooth infection requires immediate treatment to prevent it from spreading to other teeth. A root canal will help you keep your natural teeth rather than extracting and replacing them, which is costlier.
Is a root canal treatment painful?
Contrary to popular belief, this treatment is no more painful or uncomfortable than having a tooth filling. In fact, it relieves the intense pain caused by a tooth infection. The area is numbed during the treatment so you won’t experience any pain.
How do I best recover from root canal therapy?
Your mouth will remain numb for a few hours after treatment due to the anesthesia. Most patients can resume their normal activities the same day. You can use an over-the-counter pain reliever to deal with post-procedure pain or discomfort. Avoid eating anything until the numbness is gone to prevent damaging the newly-repaired tooth. Continue your oral care routine: Brush and floss and attend follow-up appointments and regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Dr. Milton Ruiz
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A respected general dentist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Milton Ruiz earned his dental degree from Tufts Dental School in Boston. He has completed over 500 hours of continuing education to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry and is highly skilled in various areas, including cosmetic dentistry, root canals, sleep apnea treatments, orthodontics, and restorative care. Certified in Invisalign and experienced in oral conscious sedation, he ensures a broad spectrum of patient care with a focus on comfort and modern techniques.
