Preserve damaged teeth and find relief with root canal therapy in Riverview, FL
Root Canal Therapy
If you have tooth pain and sensitivity, you need treatment right away. When left untreated, infected teeth can form abscesses, causing intense pain and fever. In some rare cases, these infections can be life-threatening. Dr. Janis Milne and the Inspiration Dental team offer root canal therapy to clear the infection and prevent tooth loss.
The benefits of root canal therapy
Even people who aren’t afraid of the dentist are wary of root canals. However, advances in dental technology have made endodontic treatment a much faster and more effective process and reduce pain during the procedure. While you may experience some discomfort the day after your procedure, patients who undergo root canal therapy get quick relief from pain and sensitivity in their teeth.
Missing teeth can have a significant impact on your oral health. Still, with root canal therapy, Dr. Milne can preserve damaged teeth and restore full functionality with a dental crown, so you can maintain your natural teeth for years to come.
Using advanced technology to ensure your comfort
Inspiration Dental has invested in advanced technology to improve our patient outcomes. Dr. Milne uses Cone Beam CT scans to create a 3D image of your tooth root so she can plan the procedure and avoid surprises. Before the process, the treatment site will be numbed with our state-of-the-art anesthesia wand, a precision instrument that pre-numbs the injection site and measures out the exact dosage you need to prevent pain. Next, Dr. Milne will make an opening in your crown using air abrasion and clear out the infected dental pulp and clear out the root. Next, she’ll use antibiotic medication to kill bacteria and fill the treatment site with rubber-like putty to prevent bacteria from entering the area.
Once the infection has cleared, she will prepare your tooth for a dental crown. Thanks to our CEREC technology, the dental crown can be fabricated on-site, so you won’t need to wear a temporary one or return to the office to have a permanent one placed. Once your oral health is restored, Dr. Milne will continue to work with you to prevent future issues.
Root Canal Therapy FAQs
Is every toothache a sign that I need a root canal?
No, not all toothaches require a root canal. Tooth sensitivity, minor cavities, or gum irritation can also cause pain. However, when your tooth’s inner pulp suffers from infection or is inflamed due to advanced decay, trauma, or cracks, a root canal is usually the best way to save the tooth. At Inspiration Dental, we conduct a thorough evaluation using imaging and examination before determining if root canal therapy is truly needed.
What exactly happens during a root canal procedure?
During a root canal, your dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue inside your tooth during a root canal. The inside of the root canals is then disinfected, shaped, and sealed with a biocompatible material. This stops the spread of infection and preserves the tooth structure. A dental crown is often placed afterward to protect and strengthen the tooth. The process is designed to relieve pain and restore function, not cause more discomfort.
Will the procedure be painful? How will I feel afterward?
Despite its bad reputation, root canal therapy is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a standard filling. Thanks to modern techniques and local anesthesia, the treatment is usually painless. Most patients report that the pain they experienced before the root canal is far worse than anything they felt during the procedure. You might have mild soreness for a day or two afterward, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Is my tooth still considered “alive” after the root canal?
Once the pulp tissue is removed, the tooth is technically no longer “vital,” meaning it doesn’t have a live nerve. However, the tooth remains fully functional. The surrounding tissues, like the periodontal ligament and bone, still support the tooth, allowing it to continue chewing and functioning normally. With proper care and a protective crown, a root canal-treated tooth can last many years or even a lifetime.
Do I always need a crown after a root canal?
In most cases, yes. After a root canal, the remaining tooth structure can become brittle and more vulnerable to fractures. A dental crown helps reinforce the tooth and protect it from cracking or breaking over time. The crown also restores the tooth’s appearance and function, making it easier to chew and speak comfortably. At Inspiration Dental, we ensure your crown blends beautifully with your natural smile.
How do I know if a root canal has failed or needs retreatment?
Although root canal therapy is highly successful, there are rare cases where problems can arise later—such as persistent pain, swelling, or infection. These symptoms may indicate that some infection remains or a canal was missed during the original treatment. If this occurs, retreatment or other restorative options may be necessary. Our team uses advanced diagnostics and imaging to minimize the risk of complications and to monitor healing after your procedure.
Are there alternatives to root canal therapy, and what are the risks?
The only real alternative to a root canal is extracting the affected tooth. While this eliminates the infection, it also creates a gap in your smile, which can cause your other teeth to shift and affect your bite. Replacing a missing tooth typically requires a dental implant or bridge, which can be more costly and invasive. Root canal therapy preserves your natural tooth and often avoids the need for more extensive dental work.
Root Canal
Don’t hesitate to treat tooth pain. Contact our office in Riverview, FL, today at (813) 638-0313 to get the help you need.
DR. JANIS MILNE
Dr. Janis Milne is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care for patients while focusing on preventing dental problems. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the prestigious University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry before completing an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale. She continues to further her education by attending various dental programs. She loves helping her patients achieve their best smiles while dealing with their fears, concerns, and expectations.
DR. ROSIE KICKISH
Dr. Rosalia "Rosie" Kickish is a highly qualified dentist with over nine years of experience. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, following a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston. She completed advanced training at the University of Florida's General Dentistry program. Dr. Kickish has practiced in Goose Creek, SC, and Tallahassee, FL, honing her expertise in general dentistry. Now at Inspiration Dental in Riverview, FL, she is dedicated to providing compassionate care and building lasting patient relationships in the Tampa Bay community.
DR. ROSIE KICKISH
Dr. Rosalia "Rosie" Kickish is a highly qualified dentist with over nine years of experience. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, following a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston. She completed advanced training at the University of Florida's General Dentistry program. Dr. Kickish has practiced in Goose Creek, SC, and Tallahassee, FL, honing her expertise in general dentistry. Now at Inspiration Dental in Riverview, FL, she is dedicated to providing compassionate care and building lasting patient relationships in the Tampa Bay community.
