Root Canal Therapy in St. Cloud, FL
Why People Love East Lake Family Dental
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Keeps Your Natural Tooth
Root canal therapy lets you keep your own tooth instead of having it pulled. You avoid a visible gap and keep your bite, chewing, and smile feeling natural.
Relieves Pain
The procedure removes the infected tissue that causes the throbbing, pressure, and sharp pain. Once the tooth is cleaned and sealed, most patients feel steady relief as the area heals.
Prevents Spread of Infection
Treating the tooth early stops the infection from spreading to your jawbone, nearby teeth, or other areas of your body. This protects both your smile and your overall health.
Supports Long-Term Oral Health
With a strong crown or filling and good home care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last for many years. Keeping that tooth in place helps maintain healthy spacing, a comfortable bite, and a stable smile over time.
We Take Your Insurance
Our office works with most major PPO insurance plans. We’ll verify your benefits and estimate costs before you come in. Please note that at this time, we do not accept HMO or Medicaid.
Why You Might Need a Root Canal
You may need a root canal when the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. This can be caused by deep decay, a crack, a large filling, or an injury. Root canal therapy removes the infection and helps protect your overall health while saving your tooth.
Why Saving Your Natural Tooth Matters
Most of the time, keeping your natural tooth is better than having it removed. Your tooth helps you chew, keeps nearby teeth from shifting, and supports your jawbone.
With a root canal and a strong crown or filling on top, the tooth can often last for many years. Many patients are surprised by how normal the tooth feels once it has healed.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Severe Tooth Pain
A deep, lingering toothache that hurts when you chew, lie down, or wake up at night often means the nerve is affected. If pain keeps coming back or is getting worse, you should be seen quickly.
Sensitivity That Lasts
If hot coffee or cold drinks cause sharp pain that lingers even after you stop eating or drinking, the nerve may be irritated or infected. This is different from brief, mild sensitivity.
Swollen or Tender Gums
Swelling, tenderness, or a small bump on the gums near a painful tooth can be a sign of infection. You might also notice a bad taste in your mouth or drainage in that area.
Tooth Discoloration
A tooth that turns dark, gray, or looks different from the others may have nerve damage. If you see this change, especially along with pain or swelling, contact our office for an exam.
Compassionate Pros. Exceptional Care.
Dr. Reema Philip
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Dr. Crisalida Ulloa
Dr. Ashley Torres
We Respect Your Time
Honest Answers, Upfront Pricing
Dr. Reema Philip
Dr. Reema Philip is a proud Central Florida local. She was one of just three students accepted into the prestigious combined B.S.-D.M.D. program at the University of Florida.
Dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental care, Dr. Reema regularly attends continuing education courses to learn the latest advancements in dentistry.
Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her three children, cooking gourmet meals for her family, visiting the theme parks, and playing tennis. She’s excited to care for your smile!
Associations
Fun Facts
How Root Canal Therapy Works
Exam and Diagnosis
We start with a full exam and digital X-rays. When needed, we use CBCT 3D imaging to get a detailed view of the tooth and surrounding bone.
We review what we see with you and explain your options. If a root canal is the best choice, we walk you through the plan before we begin.
Numbing and Comfort
We use local anesthesia to numb the tooth so you stay comfortable during treatment. You can also relax with blankets, pillows, music, and TVs in the room.
If you struggle with dental anxiety, tell us. We take extra time to help you feel calm and can discuss medication options when appropriate.
Removing the Infection
Once you are numb, the dentist makes a small opening in the tooth to reach the infected pulp. We gently clean out the damaged tissue and bacteria from inside the roots using special instruments.
The goal is simple: remove the source of the infection while keeping as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
Cleaning and Sealing
After the canals are cleaned, we rinse and disinfect the inside of the tooth. We then fill the canals with a safe, rubber-like material to seal them and prevent future infection.
A temporary filling is placed on top to protect the tooth until the final restoration is ready.
Final Restoration
In most cases, a tooth that has had a root canal needs a crown to protect it. At a follow-up visit, we place a custom crown or filling that blends with your other teeth and lets you chew comfortably again.
Why St. Cloud Trusts Their Smiles to Us
Female-Led, Family-Friendly
We intentionally cultivate a relaxed environment with gentle, kind care for every generation
Family Block Scheduling
We specialize in care for the whole family, getting up to five members in chairs at once.
Local & Trusted
We are an individually owned practice serving the community where Dr. Reema grew up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you help patients with dental anxiety?
Yes. We know “root canal” can sound scary, especially if you have had a bad past experience. We take extra time to talk through the steps, use a gentle touch, and offer comforts like blankets, pillows, and TVs. For patients with higher anxiety, we can discuss medication options to help you feel more relaxed during treatment.
Will I need a crown afterward?
In most cases, yes. A crown helps protect the tooth and prevent it from cracking after the inside has been cleaned out. Front teeth that still have strong structure may sometimes do well with a large filling. We will explain what is best for your specific tooth.
Can children need root canal therapy?
Yes, sometimes a permanent tooth in a child can become infected and need root canal treatment. We treat kids with the same calm, gentle approach we use for adults and explain everything in age-appropriate terms. Parents are always welcome in the room so your child feels supported.
What happens if I do not get a root canal?
An infected tooth will not heal on its own. The infection can spread, leading to more pain, swelling, bone loss, and sometimes serious health problems. Waiting often means more complex and more expensive treatment later, or losing the tooth. A root canal is the best way to stop the infection and keep your natural tooth.
Can I get same-day help if I am in pain?
Yes. If you have severe pain, swelling, or a broken tooth, call us right away. We reserve time for emergencies and will do our best to see you the same day. In many cases, we can start treatment at that visit to help you feel better quickly.
How much does root canal therapy cost?
The cost depends on which tooth is involved and how complex the infection is. Back teeth generally cost more than front teeth because they have more roots. We accept many major insurance plans, and most cover part of root canal therapy. Our team will check your benefits, explain your estimated portion, and talk with you about payment options before you decide.
How long does a root canal take?
Many root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and how complex the case is. Front teeth often take less time than back teeth, which have more roots. We work carefully but efficiently so you are not in the chair any longer than needed.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Most patients are surprised by how routine it feels. With modern anesthesia and gentle techniques, a root canal usually feels similar to getting a filling. The procedure is designed to stop the pain, not cause it. Most people feel relief soon after treatment.
Located in St. Cloud
You can find us at 903 North Narcoossee Road, in the same plaza as Orlando Health and Nemours Children's Health. We offer free parking and easy access for busy families.
