Save your natural tooth and eliminate pain with root canal treatment from a fellowship-trained maxillofacial prosthodontist. Dr. Nicholas Goetz brings specialist-level precision to every root canal procedure at our Delray Beach practice — minimizing discomfort and maximizing long-term outcomes.
Root canals have an unfair reputation. The procedure itself doesn’t cause pain — it relieves it. Most patients are surprised to find that a root canal feels no worse than getting a filling. The discomfort associated with root canals comes from the infection that made treatment necessary in the first place, not the treatment itself.
A root canal is the only way to save a tooth when the pulp — the soft tissue inside containing nerves and blood vessels — becomes infected or severely damaged. Without treatment, the infection spreads, causes increasing pain, and eventually requires extraction. A root canal at Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics in Delray Beach removes the infected tissue, seals the canal, and allows Dr. Goetz to protect the tooth with a custom porcelain crown — preserving it for years to come.
Tooth pain doesn’t always mean you need a root canal, but certain symptoms strongly suggest the pulp has been compromised. Common indicators include severe toothache when biting or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed, darkening of the tooth, swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums, or a persistent pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth.
Some teeth requiring root canal therapy cause no pain at all — the infection is discovered on X-ray during a routine exam. This is why regular dental checkups matter. Catching an infected tooth early means less complex treatment, a more predictable outcome, and better long-term prognosis for the tooth.
| Symptom | May Need Root Canal? | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Severe toothache when biting | Very likely | Urgent |
| Lingering sensitivity to hot/cold | Likely | Soon |
| Gum swelling near tooth | Possible | Urgent |
| Darkening of tooth | Possible | Schedule soon |
| No pain — found on X-ray | Confirmed by exam | Treat before symptoms worsen |
Comprehensive endodontic care and post-root canal restoration all in one practice — no referrals needed.
For teeth with infected or necrotic pulp, root canal therapy removes damaged tissue, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. Local anesthesia is used throughout — most patients report the experience is no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. The entire procedure is typically completed in one or two visits depending on the complexity of the tooth’s root anatomy.
After root canal therapy, the treated tooth is significantly weakened and requires a crown to protect it from fracture. As a prosthodontist, Dr. Goetz designs and places custom porcelain crowns that match the color, shape, and bite of your natural teeth exactly. Having root canal therapy and crown placement at the same practice streamlines treatment, reduces appointments, and ensures the restoration is designed with the same care as the therapy itself.
When a previous root canal has failed — indicated by recurring pain, swelling, or infection returning — retreatment may be possible to save the tooth. Dr. Goetz evaluates the original treatment, identifies the source of failure, and determines whether retreatment or extraction with implant placement is the better long-term solution.
When a tooth can be saved, saving it is almost always the better long-term choice. Natural teeth provide superior biting function, maintain jawbone density, and avoid the cost and treatment timeline of implant placement. Dr. Goetz evaluates the restorability of every tooth honestly — if a tooth cannot be saved predictably, he’ll explain why and present the best replacement options, including dental implants.
Root canal therapy at Ocean Breeze is performed by Dr. Nicholas Goetz — a board-certified prosthodontist with a Maxillofacial Prosthodontics Fellowship from UCLA. Unlike practices that refer root canals out to an endodontist, Dr. Goetz performs the entire treatment in-house, including the crown restoration that follows. This means fewer appointments, better coordination, and a seamless result from therapy through final restoration.
Dr. Goetz’s training in maxillofacial prosthodontics includes extensive experience with complex, compromised dentitions — making him particularly well-prepared for difficult cases involving teeth with unusual root anatomy, previous failed treatment, or significant structural damage. For routine cases and complex ones alike, patients receive the same standard of specialist-level precision.
We understand that dental anxiety is especially common when patients need emergency or urgent treatment. Our team takes time to explain what’s happening, what to expect, and how to stay comfortable throughout — before starting any procedure. Local anesthesia is used for all root canal treatment.
Dr. Goetz serves patients throughout Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Palm Beach County.
Local anesthesia is applied to completely numb the tooth and surrounding tissue. A dental dam isolates the tooth to maintain a clean field. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable this stage is — the anesthesia means you feel pressure but not pain.
The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed using precision instruments. Each canal is cleaned, shaped, and irrigated to eliminate bacteria and debris. X-rays confirm the canals are fully cleaned to the tip of each root.
The canals are filled with biocompatible gutta-percha and sealed to prevent reinfection. A temporary restoration protects the tooth while your permanent crown is being fabricated.
Your custom porcelain crown is placed at a subsequent visit, restoring the tooth’s full strength, appearance, and function. Dr. Goetz verifies the bite and fit precisely before final cementation — the same level of detail he applies to all prosthodontic restorations.
We believe financial concerns shouldn’t keep you from treatment that can change your daily life. Ocean Breeze Prosthodontics offers flexible financing options so the path to a complete smile feels manageable from the very first visit.
While we are not in-network with insurance companies, we’ll still help you get the most out of your plan. We file claims on your behalf and assist you in securing any reimbursement your PPO plan allows.
Our gallery features before and after cases from root canal-treated teeth restored with custom porcelain crowns — natural-looking results that preserve the tooth and blend seamlessly with the smile. View our smile gallery to see the outcomes.
Root canal treatment typically costs between $900–$1,800 for the procedure itself, depending on the tooth (molars with more canals cost more) and complexity. The crown that follows adds $1,200–$2,500. While this is a significant investment, it is generally less costly than extraction followed by implant placement, and preserves your natural tooth. We file insurance claims on your behalf and offer flexible financing options.
No. Local anesthesia completely numbs the tooth and surrounding tissue throughout the procedure. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the experience is. Mild soreness in the area for a day or two after treatment is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Most root canals are completed in one or two appointments. Simple cases on front teeth with single canals are typically done in one visit. Molars with complex root anatomy or severe infection may require a second appointment to complete cleaning and allow any antibiotic medication placed inside the tooth to work before sealing.
Most dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for root canal therapy — typically 50–80% after deductible, subject to annual maximums. Coverage for the crown is usually separate. We file claims on your behalf to help maximize your benefits and offer flexible financing options to make treatment accessible regardless of coverage.
A root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care. The crown protects the tooth from fracture, and regular checkups and cleanings allow Dr. Goetz to monitor the tooth over time. The long-term success rate for root canal therapy followed by a well-fitted crown is very high.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, don’t wait. Contact our Delray Beach office to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Goetz — we’ll assess the tooth, explain your options, and get you out of pain.
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