Why choose us
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Relief From Tooth Pain
We remove infected or inflamed pulp so the source of your toothache is treated, not just masked.
Keep Your Natural Tooth
Saving the tooth you have can help you avoid an extraction and the need for a replacement.
Care for Every Tooth
We treat front (anterior) teeth with typically one root, premolars with one or two, and back molars with several roots that take more time.
Help When It's Urgent
We offer same-day emergency appointments for sudden pain, cracked teeth, and dental injuries, and no referral is needed.
Coverage and Comfort Options
We accept all major PPO plans and self-pay patients, and oral sedation is available if you feel anxious.
A toothache that throbs at night, a sharp twinge every time you sip iced coffee, or a front tooth that slowly darkens after a fall can make ordinary moments hard to enjoy. When the problem lies deep inside a tooth, root canal therapy is often what allows us to relieve that discomfort and keep your natural tooth. At Family Dental Care in West Palm Beach, our team treats patients ages eight and up, and we see these concerns regularly in neighbors from Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens as well.
Every tooth has a hollow core called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels and runs down through narrow channels in the roots. When deep decay, a crack, or an injury allows bacteria to reach that pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. Root canal therapy removes the damaged pulp, cleans and shapes the inner canals, and seals them so the tooth can stay in place rather than being extracted.
This treatment can help anyone whose tooth is structurally worth saving but whose inner tissue is compromised. Keeping your own tooth helps you chew naturally and avoid the gap an extraction would leave behind. Our dentists, Dr. Michael Westcott and Dr. Sujay Trivedi, will look closely at your tooth and talk through whether a root canal is the right choice or whether another option, such as an extraction followed by tooth replacement, would serve you better.
Root canal therapy follows the same basic principles everywhere in the mouth. What changes from tooth to tooth is the anatomy, and that affects how involved the treatment is. We offer all three variations within the same service:
- Anterior root canals treat the front teeth, which usually have a single, fairly straight canal. They are common after trauma or when a front tooth has been injured or discolored.
- Premolar root canals treat the teeth just behind the canines. These often have one or two canals and handle both biting and grinding forces.
- Molar root canals treat the large back teeth. Molars typically have three or more canals, some curved or narrow, which makes treatment more detailed.
Because front teeth carry lighter chewing loads, the restoration afterward may be simpler. Molars and premolars take on heavier pressure, so we frequently recommend a crown to protect them once the canals are sealed. We'll explain what your particular tooth needs before we begin.
Common Reasons Patients Come to Us
Many patients arrive because of lingering pain. Sensitivity to hot or cold that does not fade, pain when biting, or swelling near a tooth can all point to a problem inside the pulp. Others come in after a dental exam reveals deep decay that has reached the nerve, even before it caused much discomfort.
Injuries and cracks are another frequent reason. We treat cracked teeth and traumatic dental injuries, such as a front tooth knocked during sports or a fall. Some patients also come to us for root canal retreatment, when a tooth treated in the past becomes bothersome again. When pain can't wait, we offer same-day emergency appointments, and you don't need a referral to see us. For patients who feel anxious about treatment, we also offer oral sedation, which we're happy to discuss with you.
Aftercare and What to Expect From Results
After treatment, it's normal for the tooth and surrounding area to feel tender for a short time. We'll give you clear instructions for your recovery, including guidance on chewing carefully until your final restoration is in place. If we've placed a temporary filling, avoiding sticky or very hard foods on that side helps protect it.
The long-term health of a treated tooth depends on a solid restoration and good daily care. That's why we often follow root canal therapy with a crown, onlay, or filling, depending on how much tooth structure remains. Regular cleanings and exams with our hygienist let us monitor the tooth over time. Because we provide both general and restorative dentistry, your follow-up care can usually happen right here in the same office.
Insurance, Payment, and Scheduling Your Visit
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our office files claims for you. Patients without insurance are welcome too, since we accept self-pay patients. Before treatment, we'll review the recommended care with you so you understand what's involved and can plan with confidence.
If a tooth has been bothering you, or if you've been told you may need a root canal, we'd be glad to take a look. Our team is here to answer your questions, ease your concerns, and help you keep your natural smile. Call Family Dental Care today to schedule your visit. We look forward to caring for you.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Diagnosis
We examine the tooth, confirm whether it's a front tooth, premolar, or molar, and explain your options.
- 2
Cleaning the Canals
We gently remove the damaged pulp, clean and shape each canal, and seal the tooth.
- 3
Restore and Protect
We help you plan a filling or crown, which back teeth like molars often need, and see you for follow-up care.