An endodontic infection can cause pain and sensitivity, making it difficult to eat, speak, or smile comfortably.
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment used to remove an infection from the inside of a tooth, saving it from extraction.
Dr. Douglas Pohl uses gentle yet effective dentistry techniques to help patients restore their smiles in Fort Walton Beach, FL...
Free Yourself from Dental Pain
Schedule a Root Canal Consultation
If you are struggling with a dental infection, we are here to provide permanent relief. Dr. Pohl has been performing root canals and other advanced dental procedures for over 30 years. He is a member of various prestigious organizations such as:
- The American Dental Association
- The Florida Dental Association
We encourage you to contact our Fort Walton Beach, FL, office as soon as possible to find out if root canal treatment is right for you. You can send us a message online or call our office to schedule an appointment:
(850) 243-0800
My appointment was for a cleaning, X-rays and check up. Amy, my hygienist, was right on time. She ‘s really good—my teeth look so white when she’s done She’s very friendly too—remembers what her patients’interests are. As soon as Amy was finished with me, Dr. Pohl came in to do my.check up. He’s very caring,won’t hurt you and easy to talk to. Reception is very nice, friendly and helpful too. This is a great dental office!
We’ve been going to Dr Pohl for almost 30 years and wouldn’t go anywhere else. My kids grew up going to him, are in their mid 20s now and live away from home. They will fly in for their cleanings because they trust him completely. He’s the best and so is his staff!
What Is a Root Canal?
Cavities are caused by bacteria that attack your teeth and erode the surface. If your cavity is left untreated, decay can gradually spread to the inner portion of the tooth known as the pulp. The pulp chamber contains nerves, blood vessels, and other connective tissues. A root canal is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. If decay reaches the pulp, it can cause pain, infection, dead pulp, abscesses, and eventually tooth loss.
During a root canal, your dentist will completely remove the pulp to restore function and avoid the need for an extraction. Over two appointments, Dr. Pohl will carefully remove the diseased pulp, replace the pulp with a sterile, artificial material called gutta-percha, and place a custom crown or tooth-colored filling to protect the remaining enamel.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
You may be a candidate for a root canal if you are experiencing tooth pain as a result of deep decay, a crack or chip in your tooth, or a faulty dental restoration. Other symptoms include:
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling around your cheeks
- Tenderness
- Pain when chewing
- Discolored teeth
- Severe, persistent toothache
- Bad taste in your mouth
To determine whether you need a root canal, visit Dr. Pohl in Fort Walton Beach, FL. We can take x-rays for a more comprehensive view of your smile.
What to Expect during the Procedure
Typically, a root canal procedure for a single tooth lasts 30 minutes to one hour and takes place over two appointments at our Fort Walton Beach, FL, office.
Consultation
Our dentist will examine your smile to determine if root canal treatment is needed. He will also take x-rays to detect the infection and plan your upcoming root canal treatment.
Preparation
To ensure your comfort, we can administer a local anesthetic, which numbs the surrounding area. If you are nervous about your dental procedure, we can also administer nitrous oxide sedation or oral conscious sedation.
Removing the Infection
During your first visit, Dr. Pohl will carefully remove the infected pulp. He can then clean and disinfect the root canals before filling the tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
Restoring the Tooth
Depending upon the extent of damage, we may be able to fully restore the tooth the same day with a filling. However, if your tooth has sustained extensive damage, we may recommend a crown. This process involves taking impressions, which will be sent to a trusted dental laboratory. There, technicians can fabricate your custom restoration.
Final Adjustments
Once your crown is ready, you can return to our Fort Walton Beach office for placement. Dr. Pohl can check the fit and aesthetics of the crown to ensure it blends seamlessly with adjacent teeth. If no modifications are needed, he can secure the crown in place to reveal your newly restored smile.
How Much Do Root Canals Cost?
Because they are considered medically necessary, most root canal treatments are covered by your dental insurance. Our Fort Walton Beach, FL, team can help you understand your insurance benefits and coverage during your consultation. Additionally, a root canal is far less expensive than treatment to replace a missing tooth, such as dental implant treatment.
To help patients cover out-of-pocket treatment costs, we gladly accept CareCredit® financing.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Many patients with endodontic infections are afraid to visit the dentist because they've heard horror stories about root canals. However, a root canal is a safe, straightforward treatment that can save damaged teeth and provide instant pain relief.
If you are nervous about going to the dentist, Dr. Pohl can also administer nitrous oxide sedation or oral conscious sedation to keep you relaxed during your endodontic procedure.
My family has found their new dental office! Can not say enough good things about Dr Pohl and his staff. It was a great experience! Everyone in the office is friendly and goes out of their way to make you feel welcome. My husband and I both had our teeth cleaned. Kimberly and Amy did a great job on our teeth! Dr Pohl finished the visit with a quick check up! Great experience!
Best Dentist ever and the staff are so friendly and comforting.... they always help out with special circumstances ‘. I’ve been to about every dentist in this town ... none hold a candle to Dr. Pohl and his staff!!
Douglas Pohl, DDS
Douglas Pohl, DDS, in Fort Walton Beach, FL, provides families with expert general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. Dr. Pohl has more than 30 years of experience, and is affiliated with several respected professional organizations, including:
- The American Dental Association
- The Florida Dental Association
- The University of Cincinnati Alumni Association
Dr. Pohl can see your whole family during the same appointment. Make an appointment today by contacting us online or calling (850) 243-0800.