Root Canal Treatment Cape Coral, FL
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that saves millions of teeth from inflammation and infection each year. It removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth to clear out bacteria and stop the infection from spreading, so if you have an infected tooth, a root canal may be able to save it.
At our Elite Coral Dentistry office in Cape Coral, root canals are done in-house by Endodontist Dr. Meghann Lussier, so you avoid a separate appointment at another office on another day. We also welcome endodontic referrals from other dentists. Call us at (239) 542-4626 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Visit Elite Coral Dentistry in Cape Coral
We're a family-owned dental practice that has served Cape Coral from the same address since 1985, offering Comprehensive Dental Care, Cosmetic Dentistry, Advanced Crown and Bridge Work, Dental Implants and Root Canal Treatments. You'll find us at 1105 SE 47th Terrace, with free on-site parking, accessible parking near the entrance and a step-free entrance. Call us, send a message to our text line or request an appointment online. New patients are always welcome.
- Business name: Elite Coral Dentistry
- Address: 1105 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33904
- Phone: (239) 542-4626
- Text line (text messages only): (941) 479-2183
- Email: elitecoraldentistry@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.elitecoraldentistry.com/
- Hours:
- Monday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Tuesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Understanding Root Canals
At the center of every tooth, below the enamel and dentin, is the pulp. The pulp holds blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, and when it becomes injured or infected, it can cause swelling, infection and pain. Even when there are no obvious symptoms, bacteria inside the root canal can cause decay and damage to the jawbone, which is why a root canal is often the way to save the tooth.
A root canal removes the infected or inflamed pulp to prevent further problems. Several situations can lead to one, including repeated dental work on the same tooth, cracks or chips, deep cavities and injuries to the tooth. Signs that you may need treatment include a bump on the gums, darkening gums, severe pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing, and swollen or tender gums.
These signs are not always obvious, so a thorough examination may be needed to find the cause. If you are in severe pain, call us at (239) 542-4626 to make an appointment. If a tooth has had a root canal in the past and is causing problems again, Dr. Lussier can also assess it for endodontic retreatment.
“A root canal can remove the infected or inflamed pulp to prevent further issues.”
Root Canal Treatment Benefits
The goal of root canal treatment is to save and preserve your natural tooth. One of its biggest benefits is relief from the pain and infection in your mouth. It also offers:
- Improved appearance: After treatment, the tooth receives a crown or filling that restores its appearance. Crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic, strong and esthetic materials matched to your natural teeth.
- Reduced risk of further decay: Removing the infected pulp stops bacteria from spreading and damaging the surrounding teeth.
- Restored function: Once treated and restored, the tooth can bite and chew like any other tooth.
- Saving the natural tooth: Nothing quite replaces the look and function of a natural tooth.
- Care in one place: With treatment done in-house, the same office handles your diagnosis, root canal and follow-up, so there is no separate appointment at another office on another day.
“The goal of root canal treatment is to save and preserve the natural tooth.”
What does root canal treatment involve at a dental office in Cape Coral?
Root canal treatment starts with an X-ray and numbing the tooth. A dental dam keeps the area clean, and the infected or inflamed tissue is removed from inside the tooth before the canals are cleaned, filled and sealed. A crown or other restoration then protects the tooth, so it can bite and chew like any other tooth.
Who performs root canal treatment at Elite Coral Dentistry in Cape Coral?
Root canals here are done in-house by Endodontist Dr. Meghann Lussier, whose work focuses on treating the inside of the tooth. She works alongside Dr. Joseph Mejia, who has owned the practice since July 2022, so your general care and your root canal are handled by the same team.
Can a new patient in Cape Coral have a root canal without being referred elsewhere?
Yes. New patients are always welcome, and you don't need to be an existing patient to have a root canal here. Because diagnosis and treatment happen at the same office, you avoid a separate appointment at another office on another day. Call (239) 542-4626 to make an appointment.
The Root Canal Process and Potential Complications
According to Healthline, root canal treatment typically involves four steps. First, we take an X-ray of the infected tooth and numb the area. Next, we place a dental dam, a small protective sheet, over the tooth to keep it clean and free of saliva and bacteria during the procedure.
We then reach the pulp through the top of the tooth, remove the infected or inflamed tissue and clean out the canals. Once the canals are clean, we may apply a topical antibiotic to treat any remaining infection. Finally, the tooth is filled and sealed, and a crown or other restoration is placed to protect it and restore its function.
As with any semi-invasive procedure, root canal treatment carries some risks. In some cases, a tooth is too badly damaged to save, and treating it could still end in tooth loss, and although rare, an abscess can also develop afterward. Even so, root canal treatment is generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86% and 98%.
“Although there is a risk for potential complications, root canal treatments are generally safe and effective, with a success rate between 86-98%.”
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Preventing the Need for Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are effective at restoring infected or damaged teeth, but it is best to avoid needing one in the first place. The simplest way to do that is a good daily oral hygiene routine. Root canals are often needed because of tooth decay, so brushing twice and flossing once every day goes a long way.
Regular checkups and cleanings matter too, because they help catch decay early, and it is important to see a dentist as soon as pain or discomfort starts. You can also protect your teeth from damage that can lead to a root canal by limiting acidic foods and drinks, not chewing on ice, and wearing a mouthguard during sports, or at night if you grind your teeth.
“Although root canals are effective procedures to restore infected or damaged teeth, it is best to avoid the need for a root canal in the first place.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the benefits of a root canal?
Q. What happens during root canal treatment?
Q. How can someone prevent the need for a root canal?
Q. What is an alternative to root canal treatment?
Q. What does root canal treatment involve at a dental office in Cape Coral?
Q. Who performs root canal treatment at Elite Coral Dentistry in Cape Coral?
Q. Can a new patient in Cape Coral have a root canal without being referred elsewhere?
People Also Ask
Q. How common are root canals?
Q. Are there any alternatives to root canals?
Q. How can a root canal help save my cracked tooth?
Q. What is the difference between endodontists and dentists?
Alternatives To Root Canal Treatment
Root canals are safe and effective procedures for saving a tooth. In some situations, though, a different treatment is needed, such as an extraction, which removes the entire tooth.
It is always best to try to save a natural tooth when possible, and Dr. Lussier will explain whether yours can be saved before any treatment begins. Extractions and implants are best for teeth that are too damaged to save with a root canal. If a tooth does need to come out, it can be replaced with a dental implant, which is placed and restored at the same office.
“Extractions and implants are best for when a tooth is too damaged to be saved with a root canal treatment.”
What We Want You To Know About Tooth Pain and Root Canals
Tooth pain is easy to put off, so here is the advice we give patients most often.
Common Mistakes When Tooth Pain May Mean the Nerve Is Involved
- Waiting for it to settle: Pain that comes and goes can still mean the pulp is inflamed or infected. We would rather examine a tooth early, when there are more options for saving it.
- Relying on painkillers: Over-the-counter medication can ease the pain, but it doesn’t treat the cause. If you need it for more than a couple of days, call us to make an appointment.
- Assuming a toothache always ends in an extraction: Many painful teeth can be saved with a root canal. We always check whether your natural tooth can be kept before discussing any other option.
- Ignoring a bump on the gum or a darkening tooth: These can be signs of infection even when the pain has stopped, so they are worth having checked.
What To Look For When a Root Canal Is Recommended
- Who will treat the tooth: At our office, root canals are done by Endodontist Dr. Meghann Lussier, whose work focuses on the inside of the tooth.
- A clear explanation first: We show you what the X-ray reveals and explain why treatment is needed before anything begins.
- The cost before treatment: Costs are explained after your consultation, and we’ll help you check your insurance coverage.
- What happens afterward: Most treated teeth need a crown or filling to protect them, and we explain this step at the start so there are no surprises.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Protect a tooth after root canal treatment with a porcelain or ceramic crown, made from strong, esthetic materials matched to your natural teeth.
Dental Checkups and Cleanings
Catch decay early, before it reaches the nerve, with regular checkups and cleanings that keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Dental Implants
Replace a tooth that is too damaged to save with a dental implant, placed and restored in-house at the same office.
Emergency Dentistry
Get help with a severe toothache, a broken tooth or a lost filling. Call (239) 542-4626 to make an appointment.
Root Canal Care for New Cape Coral Residents
Cape Coral has been one of Florida's fastest-growing cities for decades, and many of its residents have moved here from elsewhere in the United States. A newcomer with a painful tooth often has no local dentist yet, let alone an endodontist to call.
For those patients, having Endodontist Dr. Meghann Lussier at the same office as their general dentist makes the first step simpler. The tooth is examined and the root canal is carried out in-house, so treatment doesn't start with arranging a separate appointment at another office on another day.
The city also has a large seasonal population, with many residents here from roughly November through April. Whether you live in Cape Coral all year or for the winter months, the same team can look after your root canal and your routine care, and new patients are always welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does a root canal cost?
A. The cost depends on factors such as how much damage there is, which tooth is involved and whether insurance covers part of the treatment. Costs are explained after your consultation, before treatment begins. CareCredit is also available to help spread the cost, and you can contact the office for more information.
Q. Does insurance cover root canal treatment?
A. Every insurance plan is different. Root canals are considered a medically necessary treatment, so most dental insurance plans provide some coverage. The office accepts most PPO dental and PPO Medicare dental plans, but it is best to check your coverage with your insurance provider, or call us, before treatment.
Q. How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
A. Recovery after a root canal is usually quick. Some soreness and discomfort are normal for a few days, but most patients return to school, work and their daily activities the next day. Pain that lasts beyond a couple of days may be a sign of a problem, so call the office if that happens.
Q. Are root canals painful?
A. Many people expect root canals to hurt. Some discomfort is common, but the treatment is typically no more painful than having a cavity filled. If you feel nervous, talk to Endodontist Dr. Meghann Lussier or Dr. Joseph Mejia about your concerns, and they will explain each step and go at a pace that feels comfortable. Dr. Lussier speaks English, French, Spanish and Cantonese, and Dr. Mejia speaks English and Spanish.
Q. How should I take care of my tooth after root canal treatment?
A. Some swelling and inflammation are normal afterward, and over-the-counter pain medication can ease the discomfort. Avoid chewing on the tooth until it has been fully restored, as this keeps the area clean and helps prevent the tooth from breaking. You will also have a follow-up appointment to make sure it is healing well.
Q. Do you accept endodontic referrals from other dentists?
A. Yes. Endodontic referrals from other dentists are welcome. Referred patients are seen in-house by Endodontist Dr. Meghann Lussier for root canal treatment and endodontic retreatment.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options. With tooth pain, acting early often gives you the best chance of saving the tooth, and new patients are always welcome.
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Endodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
If your tooth is injured or infected, do not hesitate to seek treatment. Our team at Elite Coral Dentistry can help save your tooth. Call us today at (239) 542-4626 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, send a message to our text line at (941) 479-2183, or request an appointment online.
Dr. Lussier works alongside Dr. Joseph Mejia, who has owned the practice since July 2022. This family-owned practice has served Cape Coral from the same address since 1985 and also sees patients from Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Pine Island. The office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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