End the pain, save the tooth.
Modern root canal treatment performed by in-house endodontist Dr. Ogando — largely painless and saves natural teeth that would otherwise require extraction.
Root canal treatment performed by an endodontist (root canal specialist) at Art Dental Studio is dramatically different from the painful procedure of older generations. With modern anesthesia, rotary instrumentation and high-magnification techniques, most root canals are completed in 60-90 minutes with mild post-operative discomfort. The procedure relieves the existing pain caused by infected pulp — it does not cause new pain. Our in-house endodontist Dr. Ogando handles all root canal cases at our three South Florida locations, saving teeth that would otherwise require extraction.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that removes infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, then seals it to prevent re-infection. The outer tooth structure remains — only the internal pulp is removed.
Root canals are needed when the pulp becomes infected from deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, cracks or chips that reach the pulp, or trauma. Symptoms include severe tooth pain (especially with hot/cold), prolonged sensitivity, gum swelling, darkening of the tooth, or a visible pimple on the gum.
After a root canal, the tooth typically needs a crown to protect it from fracture (the tooth becomes more brittle without pulp). The crown is placed 2-4 weeks after the root canal, once any residual inflammation has resolved.
When is a root canal needed?
A root canal is the right treatment when:
- Severe persistent tooth pain, especially with temperature changes
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold (lasting more than 30 seconds)
- Swelling of the gum near a tooth
- A visible pimple (fistula) on the gum
- Darkening or discoloration of a single tooth
- Deep decay or fracture that has reached the pulp chamber
Root canal procedure at Art Dental Studio
- 01
Diagnosis and X-ray
Dr. Ogando evaluates the tooth with X-rays and pulp tests to confirm the root canal diagnosis and rule out other causes of pain.
- 02
Local anesthesia
The tooth and surrounding area are completely numbed — modern anesthesia is highly effective even for inflamed teeth.
- 03
Access opening
A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
- 04
Pulp removal and cleaning
The infected pulp is removed using specialized rotary instruments. The canals are then cleaned, shaped and disinfected with antimicrobial irrigation.
- 05
Filling and sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and sealed to prevent re-infection. The access opening is closed with a temporary or permanent filling.
- 06
Crown placement (2-4 weeks later)
A custom crown is placed over the treated tooth to protect it from fracture. Master ceramist Enrique fabricates the crown in-house.
Recovery after root canal
Mild to moderate soreness for 1-3 days post-procedure, managed with guidance from our team — contact us before taking any medication. Most patients return to normal activities the same day or next day. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is placed to prevent fracture.
Some patients notice that the treated tooth feels slightly different in their bite. This usually resolves within a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. If discomfort persists or worsens, call us — adjustment may be needed.
The most important post-treatment task is returning for your crown appointment within 2-4 weeks. Without the crown, the tooth is at high risk of fracture and may need to be extracted — undoing the work of saving it.
Questions answered.
Every case is different, so we do not publish prices. Your free consultation includes a transparent, written, personalized estimate. Financing options with monthly payment plans are available.
No — this is the biggest misconception. Modern root canals performed by an endodontist are largely painless. The procedure relieves the pain you were experiencing from the infected pulp. You may have mild soreness for 1-3 days afterward, easily managed — contact us and we will guide you on any discomfort.
Treatment duration varies depending on the specific needs of each patient. During your free consultation, we will evaluate your case and give you a personalized treatment plan with an accurate timeline.
For molars and premolars, yes — without a crown the tooth has a high risk of fracture (because the pulp removal makes it more brittle), often within 1-3 years. For front teeth in patients without grinding habits, a crown may be optional. Dr. Ogando will recommend based on the specific tooth and your bite forces.
Yes. Root canal treatment is one of the most successful procedures in dentistry, with a very high, well-documented success rate when performed by an endodontist. The persistent rumors about root canals causing systemic disease have been thoroughly debunked by the American Dental Association and major medical organizations. Saving your natural tooth is almost always preferable to extraction.
Once a tooth has infected pulp, the only alternatives to root canal are extraction or letting the infection spread (which is dangerous — can lead to abscess, bone loss, or systemic infection). For deep decay close to the pulp but not yet infected, pulp capping or partial pulpotomy may sometimes preserve the pulp. Dr. Ogando will recommend the right approach.
With a crown placed promptly afterward and proper maintenance (brushing, flossing, regular check-ups), a root-canaled tooth typically lasts a lifetime. The treated tooth is no longer "alive" (it has no nerve or blood supply) but it functions normally for eating and speaking.
Delaying treatment of infected pulp allows the infection to spread to the bone surrounding the tooth (apical abscess), potentially causing severe swelling, bone loss, systemic infection (fever), and in rare cases life-threatening complications. Severe pain typically forces patients to seek treatment within days — but the longer you wait, the more complex (and expensive) the treatment becomes.
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