Why choose us
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
Keep Your Natural Tooth
Root canal therapy removes infected or inflamed pulp so we can often save the tooth instead of extracting it.
Relief From Infection
Cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth treats the source of a deep infection or toothache.
Front Teeth Done Simply
Anterior root canals treat front teeth, which usually have a single canal and a more direct treatment.
Premolars and Molars Covered
Premolars often have one or two canals, while molars at the back have several, so molar treatment typically takes longer.
Restored Here In-House
Dr. Buitrago, a prosthodontist, can place the crown or filling that protects the tooth afterward in our office.
A root canal treats the inside of a tooth when the soft tissue in its center, called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected, and it is meant for teens, adults and seniors who want to keep a natural tooth rather than lose it. In everyday terms, that tooth is the one you chew on, smile with and rely on without thinking about it. At Advanced Dentistry of Coral Springs, Dr. Renan Buitrago, DDS, provides root canal therapy for front teeth, premolars and molars as part of our comprehensive care on North University Drive.
Root canal therapy removes damaged or infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the small canals that run through the root, and then fills and seals them. The outer structure of the tooth stays in place. The goal is to keep the tooth functioning in your mouth instead of replacing it with an implant, bridge or partial.
Patients usually come to us for one of several reasons. Common examples include:
- A deep cavity that has reached the nerve of the tooth
- A cracked or chipped tooth that has exposed the inner tissue
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, or a tooth that aches when you bite
- A tooth that has been worked on several times and is now giving trouble again
Some of these come on slowly. Others show up suddenly, which is why we offer emergency dental appointments for patients in discomfort.
We treat three types of teeth, and the approach differs with each. Anterior root canals involve the front teeth, which typically have a single canal. These teeth matter for your appearance and for biting into food, so we pay close attention to how the tooth will look afterward.
Premolar root canals involve the teeth just behind the canines. Premolars may have one or two canals, and they handle both tearing and grinding. Molar root canals treat the large back teeth, which often have three or more canals and carry heavy chewing force. Molar treatment generally takes more time because there is more to clean. Molars and premolars often need a crown afterward to protect them from cracking under pressure.
Am I a good candidate for a root canal?
You may be a good candidate if the tooth has enough healthy structure left to be restored after treatment. An exam and X-rays help Dr. Buitrago see whether the root and surrounding bone can support the tooth going forward.
Not every tooth can be saved. When a tooth is too badly broken or the damage runs too far, we talk through other options, such as extraction followed by a bridge, partial denture or dental implant. Because Dr. Buitrago is a prosthodontist, a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth, he plans both the root canal and the final restoration with the long-term picture in mind. If you feel anxious about dental work, oral sedation is available, and we are glad to discuss it at your visit.
What is recovery like after a root canal?
Most patients return to normal routines soon after treatment, though the tooth may feel tender for a few days. We give you specific aftercare instructions for your situation and are available if questions come up.
Until the final restoration is placed, it helps to chew on the other side and avoid very hard or sticky foods. A treated tooth no longer has living pulp inside, so the protective restoration that follows is an important part of the result. Many back teeth receive a crown, which our on-site dental lab supports. Good brushing, flossing and regular cleanings with our hygienist help protect the treated tooth along with the rest of your mouth.
How can I pay for root canal therapy?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our front office files the claim for you. We also welcome self-pay patients.
For costs not covered by insurance, we offer CareCredit, 0% and low-interest financing options, and all major credit cards. Our team will review your estimate with you before treatment begins so you can plan ahead. If a crown is recommended, we explain that part of the treatment as well, so there are no surprises later.
Why see Dr. Buitrago for a root canal?
You see the same doctor at every visit, from the first exam through the final restoration. That continuity means Dr. Buitrago knows your history and how the treated tooth fits with the rest of your bite.
He earned dental degrees from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in 2000 and New York University in 2008, completed NYU's advanced program in prosthodontics, and finished a three-year prosthodontics residency at New York Hospital Queens, affiliated with Cornell University. He has owned this Coral Springs practice since 2014. Patients visit us from Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac and nearby communities.
If a tooth is aching or you have been told you may need a root canal, we would be glad to see you. Call our office at 2232 N University Drive, Suite B, Coral Springs, to schedule an exam, and we will help you decide on the right next step for your tooth.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Diagnosis
We examine the tooth, confirm whether it is a front tooth, premolar or molar, and explain your options.
- 2
Root Canal Treatment
We remove the damaged pulp, clean and shape each canal, and seal the tooth from the inside.
- 3
Restore and Protect
We protect the treated tooth with a filling or crown, often a crown for molars, and check your healing.