A deep toothache, lingering sensitivity, or swelling around a tooth may be more than just discomfort—it could be a sign of infection. At Point Meadows Dentistry in Jacksonville, FL, our skilled team provides gentle root canal treatment to eliminate pain and preserve your natural tooth—often in just one visit.

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Led by Dr. Hanna Mularkey and Dr. Sarah Danser, we combine advanced dental technology with compassionate care to deliver efficient, comfortable results. Whether you're looking for an emergency root canal near you or were referred for endodontic therapy, we're here to help.

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Don’t Let the “Pain” Myth Keep You from Getting Treated

We know the words “root canal” often come with fear or hesitation—but the reality is very different from the old reputation. Thanks to modern techniques and local anesthesia, a root canal today is virtually painless—and far less uncomfortable than the pain caused by the infection itself. Most of our patients tell us that the procedure felt no worse than getting a routine filling, and that the real relief came afterward, when the toothache finally went away. If fear has kept you from seeking treatment, know that you’re in gentle, experienced hands at Point Meadows Dentistry.

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What Is a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment (also called endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure used to remove infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth. After cleaning and disinfecting the canals, the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection and restore its function.

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Common signs you may need a root canal:

• Persistent or throbbing tooth pain

• Pain when biting or chewing

• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

• Swollen or tender gums near a tooth

• Darkening or discoloration of a tooth

• A pimple-like bump on the gums (abscess)

 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait. We offer Emergency Dental Appointments and will do our best to get you seen right away.

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How the Root Canal Procedure Works​​

At Point Meadows Dentistry, we use a gentle, step-by-step approach:

Step 1. Diagnosis & Imaging Digital X-rays allow us to assess the infection and plan your treatment.

Step 2. Comfortable Anesthesia Local anesthesia ensures your tooth is completely numb throughout the procedure.

Step 3. Removal of Infected Tissue We access the inside of the tooth, remove the damaged pulp, and clean the canals.

Step 4. Disinfection & Sealing The canals are disinfected and filled to prevent future infection.

Step 5. Tooth Restoration Most teeth will require a Dental Crown to protect and restore strength after treatment.

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What Happens After Treatment?

After your root canal, it’s normal for the tooth to feel slightly sensitive for a few days—especially when chewing or applying pressure. This is usually due to natural inflammation in the surrounding tissue that was affected by the prior infection or the procedure itself. The good news is that most patients experience immediate relief from the original tooth pain and are able to return to work or normal activities the very same day.

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We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. These may include:

• Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers for temporary soreness

• Avoiding chewing on the treated side until any tenderness subsides

• Sticking to soft foods for the first day or two

• Returning for a follow-up appointment, if needed

 

Why a Crown Is Usually Needed

In many cases—especially for molars or teeth toward the back of the mouth—a permanent dental crown will be placed over the treated tooth. While the root canal removes infection and preserves your natural tooth structure, the tooth itself may become brittle or weakened without the pulp inside to nourish it.

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A crown:

• Restores strength and durability, especially for chewing

• Protects the tooth from future fractures or reinfection

• Seals off the top of the tooth, completing the restoration

• Improves appearance, particularly for front teeth or visible areas

 

We’ll guide you through the process and timing of placing your crown—often within a week or two following your root canal. This final step helps ensure your tooth functions and looks just like a healthy natural one. At Point Meadows Dentistry, your comfort doesn’t stop after the procedure. We stay involved throughout your healing and restoration process to ensure your smile is strong, pain-free, and long-lasting.

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Root Canal vs. Extraction: Which Is Better?

When it comes to treating an infected or damaged tooth, many patients wonder whether a root canal or extraction is the better option. While both procedures aim to eliminate pain and infection, they have very different outcomes—and whenever possible, preserving your natural tooth through a root canal is the preferred choice.

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A root canal removes the diseased pulp from within the tooth, disinfects the canal system, and seals it—allowing you to keep your original tooth structure intact. With the addition of a dental crown for protection, your restored tooth can function just like a natural one for many years to come. This means you can chew normally, maintain your natural smile, and avoid changes to your bite or jawbone.

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On the other hand, a tooth extraction removes the tooth entirely, which may seem like a quicker fix but often leads to more complex and costly problems down the road. When a tooth is removed:

• The neighboring teeth may begin to shift out of alignment, creating bite issues or crowding.

• The jawbone at the extraction site may begin to deteriorate (bone resorption) due to lack of stimulation.

• You’ll likely need a replacement solution such as a dental implant, bridge, or denture to restore function and aesthetics.

• These restorative options often require multiple appointments and higher long-term costs than saving the tooth.

 

Of course, there are situations where extraction is the only viable option—such as when a tooth is too severely fractured, decayed beyond repair, or compromised by advanced gum disease. In these cases, we’ll thoroughly discuss your options for replacement and create a personalized plan to restore your smile.

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At Point Meadows Dentistry, our primary goal is always to conserve your natural smile. We’ll walk you through every option and only recommend extraction if it’s truly in your best interest. Whenever possible, a root canal is the most efficient, cost-effective, and conservative way to save your smile.