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Root Canal Therapy

An infected tooth can cause pain and put you at risk for oral health complications. 

A root canal removes the infected pulp to alleviate your pain, eliminate the infection, and save the tooth.

Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics in Merritt Island, FL, use the latest technology for better outcomes after root canal therapy.

Experiencing Severe Tooth Pain?

Tooth pain or an abscess can be a sign of infection and should be addressed as soon as possible. If you are experiencing pain or sudden symptoms, contact our Merritt Island dental practice. We will fit you in as quickly as possible to relieve your pain. 

What Is a Root Canal?

Cracks, cavities, and damage allow bacteria to enter the tooth which can lead to an infection in the pulp of the tooth. This infection can cause a variety of symptoms including significant pain. There is also a risk for the infection to spread. Root canal therapy, often referred to simply as a root canal, removes the infected pulp within the tooth and its roots. Root canal treatment at our dental practice in Merritt Island, FL, is virtually painless and can restore your oral health while preserving the tooth structure. 

See How a Root Canal Is Performed

After the area is completely numbed, your dentist will make an opening in the tooth. This allows them to access the tooth's interior and the roots where the infected pulp lies. They will then remove the infected pulp which consists of tissues and blood vessels. Once this is done, your dentist will pack and fill the tooth. A dental crown is typically placed to provide added strength to the tooth structure.

Protect Your Smile Call Us to Schedule an Appointment Today

Tooth pain can make you miserable. But even minor signs of infection shouldn't be ignored. Left untreated, you risk the spread of infection and the loss of the tooth or even your other teeth. This can cause other oral health issues such as bone atrophy.

The sooner the issue is addressed the better. Our dentists, Dr. Wilkhu, Dr. Cork, and Dr. Schmid, combine experience, skill, state-of-the-art technology, and luxury amenities to address your symptoms comfortably and efficiently. In some cases, we can place porcelain crowns in as little as one appointment. 

Don't live in pain or risk your oral health. Request an appointment by calling our dental practice in Merritt Island, FL, or by contacting us online

(321) 459-2444

Dr. Chan Wilku's office

Merritt Island Loves Our Dental Practice

1

Rebecca Shifflett

2023

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Dr.Wilkhu is a wonderful dentist. He is gentle, warm and kind and always does his best in providing the care that you personally need. Office staff is extremely organized and always friendly. They never mind assisting you with insurance and questions. Above and beyond for all.

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1

Cindy Ries

2023

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The staff was friendly and upbeat. It helped to ease my anxiety about going to a new dentist. They worked me into their schedule quickly as I had a minor dental emergency. Dr. Wilkhu was friendly and informative. 

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Why Choose Our Dental Practice For Your Root Canal Treatment

Experienced Care

Our dentists have over 20 years of experience providing root canal treatment and placing custom dental crowns.

Advanced Technology

Our Merritt Island dental practice uses state-of-the-art technology, including rotary instruments, an apex locator, and even CT images to achieve better patient outcomes. We can often place same-day crowns with our CEREC® in-office milling machine.

Luxury Amenities

We want our patients to be as comfortable as possible. We offer headphones and Netflix in every patient room.

Root Canal Treatment Costs

The cost of your root canal will depend on a number of factors such as how many teeth require treatment and how much your dental insurance covers. After your dentist develops a treatment plan, we will verify your insurance coverage to determine what your out-of-pocket costs will be. 

For those without insurance or for costs not covered by your dental insurance, we accept CareCredit® which allows you to finance the cost of your root canal treatment, breaking it into affordable monthly payments.

Root Canal Timeline

We take great care to ensure your root canal treatment will be virtually painless. 
We take great care to ensure your root canal treatment will be virtually painless. 

Consultation

During your initial consultation at our dental practice in Merritt Island, FL, your dentist will examine your mouth to determine if a root canal is the right procedure for you. 

Local Anesthetic

Before your root canal begins, your dentist will numb the area to ensure you are completely comfortable.

Accessing the Treatment Area

To begin your root canal, your dentist will create an opening in the tooth. This allows them to reach the pulp and tooth roots. 

Cleaning the Tooth

The pulp consists of tissues and blood vessels within the tooth. Your dentist will remove this infected pulp and clean the inside of the tooth structure.

Filling the Tooth

Once the pulp is removed and the tooth is cleaned, it is filled with a rubber-like compound to provide support. 

Sealing the Site

Finally, the tooth is sealed to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth's structure.

Dental Crown Placement

A dental crown is usually placed over the tooth to provide additional support to the tooth structure. For some cases, we can use CEREC technology to craft your crown in as little as one appointment. In others, your dentist will place a temporary restoration and you will return once the permanent crown is ready.

Have questions about how a root canal is performed?

Root Canal FAQs

Are Root Canals Painful?

No. It is a common misconception that root canals are painful. Your dentist will ensure you are properly numbed before treatment begins and you should not feel any discomfort other than the initial injection. Keep in mind many patients will find relief from their symptoms meaning decreased pain overall. We also offer Netflix and headphones in every treatment room to keep you relaxed and at ease while your root canal is performed.

Shouldn't I See an Endodontist?

While an endodontist does specialize in root canals, the dentists at our Merritt Island, FL, dental practice are experienced in this procedure. An added benefit to seeing our dentists instead of an endodontist is that you can also have your crown placed with us. Most endodontists do not provide restorations, so you would have a longer treatment time involving multiple appointments.

Can't I Just Take Antibiotics for an Infection?

Once bacteria enters the tooth through a cavity or crack and infects the pulp, antibiotics are not enough to completely eliminate the infection. Some cases may require a round of antibiotics in conjunction with root canal therapy, but in most cases, a root canal will be necessary to remove the infection. 

What About Having the Tooth Pulled?

It is best to attempt to preserve the tooth structure when possible. Even a single missing tooth can cause bone deterioration in the jaw, causing other teeth to shift, and lead to more extensive dental work in the future. 

"Love Them" 5-Star Reviews

1

Margaret Lima

2023

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Been going to them for years, as did my Mom. Great staff, love them.

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1

Michael Tournade

2023

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Doc Wilku and Maria took excellent care of me while I received both crowns. Perfect fit!

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Dr. Chan Wilkhu

Family Dentistry & Prosthodontics

Our team of friendly dental professionals can help you and your family enjoy beautiful, healthy smiles for years to come. Our dentists are members of a number of professional associations including:

  • American Dental Association
  • Florida Dental Association
  • International Dental Implant Association

To schedule a consultation at our Merritt Island, FL, office contact us online or call (321) 459-2444.

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