Surgical and Non-Surgical Root Canal | North Miami Beach, FL

What is a root canal?

Root canal treatment is a highly effective dental procedure designed to save a tooth that has become infected or severely damaged. At the center of each tooth is the dental pulp—a soft tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that supports tooth development and health.

When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, trauma, cracks, chips, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause pain and lead to further complications if left untreated. Common symptoms may include sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, swelling, discomfort when chewing, or visible signs of infection.

Non-Surgical Root Canal Treatment

In most cases, root canal therapy is performed using a non-surgical approach. The goal is to eliminate infection, preserve the natural tooth, and restore normal function.

During treatment:

• The affected tooth is carefully numbed using local anesthesia to ensure comfort
• The infected or damaged pulp is removed from inside the tooth
• The root canal system is thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped
• The space is then sealed to prevent reinfection

Depending on the complexity of the case, treatment may be completed in one or multiple visits. Success rates for non-surgical root canal therapy are high, with approximately 90% of cases resulting in long-term tooth preservation.

Sedation options, such as nitrous oxide, may be offered when appropriate to enhance patient comfort. Most patients are able to resume normal daily activities shortly after treatment.

Surgical Root Canal Treatment (Apicoectomy)

In some cases, conventional root canal therapy may not fully resolve the infection or may not be suitable due to the anatomy of the tooth or persistent infection. In these situations, a minor surgical procedure known as an apicoectomy (surgical root canal treatment) may be recommended.

This procedure involves:

• Gaining access to the root tip through the gum tissue
• Removing infected tissue and the very end of the tooth root
• Sealing the root end to prevent reinfection
• Allowing the surrounding bone and tissue to heal naturally

Surgical root canal treatment is typically recommended when non-surgical retreatment is not sufficient or when infection persists after previous root canal therapy.

What Happens After Root Canal Treatment?

Following completion of root canal therapy, a record of your treatment is maintained in our office, and a follow-up restoration (such as a crown or filling) is scheduled to protect and strengthen the treated tooth.

It is uncommon for patients to experience complications after either non-surgical or surgical endodontic treatment. However, should any concerns arise, our team is available to evaluate and manage your care promptly.

To ensure long-term success, it is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups to prevent future decay or reinfection.

Cost of Root Canal Treatment

The cost of root canal therapy varies depending on factors such as the severity of infection and the location of the affected tooth. In most cases, preserving the natural tooth through root canal treatment is more cost-effective than extraction followed by tooth replacement options such as implants or bridges.

Root canal therapy—whether surgical or non-surgical—is a predictable and effective way to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and preserve your natural smile whenever possible.