Worried about a root canal? Most patients tell us it was nothing like they expected. At Westside Dental Center, Dr. Uttma Dham uses advanced laser technology and precise 3D imaging to make root canal treatment in Plantation comfortable, efficient, and genuinely stress-free.
New patients always welcome. Same-day appointments available.
WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?
Let's be honest: the words "root canal" have a reputation they don't deserve. Most of that fear comes from stories people heard decades ago before modern dentistry changed everything. Today, a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling
A root canal is a procedure that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside your tooth, the part called the pulp to stop the infection from spreading and to save the tooth itself. Without it, the infection gets worse, the pain increases, and eventually you may lose the tooth entirely.
At Westside Dental Center, Dr. Dham performs root canal treatment using a Fotona laser and cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging, which means more accuracy, less tissue disruption, and a faster recovery than traditional approaches. For most patients, the procedure takes a single appointment and the discomfort afterward is manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
In short: a root canal doesn't cause pain. It relieves it.
SIGNS YOU MAY NEED A ROOT CANAL
Signs You May Need a Root Canal Don't Ignore These
Tooth infections don't always announce themselves dramatically. Some people have significant pulp damage with very little pain. Others have pain that seems unrelated to their teeth. That's why regular checkups matter and why it's worth calling us if anything feels off.
Not every one of these symptoms means you need a root canal, but they do mean you should come in so Dr. Dham can take a look. With CBCT imaging and AI diagnostics, we can identify exactly what's happening inside the tooth without guesswork.
OUR APPROACH
Root Canal Treatment at Westside Dental Center A Different Kind of Experience
Most dental offices perform root canals the traditional way: with mechanical files, manual irrigation, and a lot of time in the chair. We do things differently and our patients notice.
We use the Fotona laser to disinfect the root canal with a level of precision that mechanical cleaning can't match. Less invasive, faster healing, and significantly more comfortable than traditional methods
Before we begin, Dr. Dham takes a full cone beam CT scan to map the exact anatomy of your root canal system. This means no surprises during the procedure and no missed canals, a common cause of treatment failure.
If dental anxiety is a concern, we offer sedation options to help you feel completely calm. You won't feel rushed, and you won't feel like a number. You'll feel taken care of.
In most cases, root canal therapy at Westside Dental Centre is completed in one appointment. We also mill custom crowns in-house using CAD/CAM technology so if you need a crown after, we can often handle that the same day.
THE PROCEDURE - STEP BY STEP
What Actually Happens During a Root Canal at Westside Dental Center
We believe informed patients are calmer patients. So here's exactly what you can expect when you come in for root canal treatment with Dr. Dham.
We start with a thorough examination including digital X-rays and a CT scan if needed. This gives us a precise 3D view of your tooth's root structure and confirms whether a root canal is the right treatment for you.
Before anything begins, we numb the area completely. Most patients are surprised by how little they feel. If you're nervous, let us know we can discuss sedation options before your appointment.
Dr. Dham creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth and carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth and its root canals. This is what relieves the pain.
Dr. Dham creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth and carefully removes the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth and its root canals. This is what relieves the pain.
Once clean and disinfected, the canals are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. A temporary or permanent filling closes the access point.
In many cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment will need a crown to protect it from future damage. Because we mill crowns in-house, this can often happen the same day no temporary crowns, 2nd visit .
ROOT CANAL VS. EXTRACTION
Root Canal or Tooth Extraction Making the Right Call
When a tooth is infected or badly damaged, patients often ask: is it better to save the tooth or just pull it? The honest answer is that saving a natural tooth is almost always the preferred option when it's possible
That said, there are situations where extraction is the more appropriate choice if the tooth is too damaged to restore, or if the bone loss around it is too significant. Dr. Dham will always give you an honest assessment of both options, including realistic costs and long-term outcomes, and let you decide.
We believe in recommending only the treatments that are truly right for you, with guidance that prioritizes your health, comfort, and long-term well-being
AFTERCARE & RECOVERY
After Your Root Canal What to Expect & How to Recover Well
Root canal recovery is far more manageable than most people expect. The day-of numbness will wear off within a few hours. After that, mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days over-the-counter pain relief is usually all that's needed.
Most patients return to normal activity the day after their procedure. With the Fotona laser, healing is generally faster than with traditional root canal methods.
WHY CHOOSE WESTSIDE DENTAL CENTER
Why Plantation Patients Trust Westside Dental Center for Root Canal Treatment
There are a lot of dental offices in South Florida. Here's why patients across Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Parkland, Margate, Weston, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines and all of South Florida choose us for something as important as root canal therapy. choose us for something as important as root canal therapy.
Dr. Dham has been treating complex dental cases in Plantation for over two decades. She's seen it all and she handles every case with the same attention, care, and thoroughness.
Dr. Dham is currently enrolled at the Dawson Academy of Advanced Dental Education, one of the most respected continuing education institutions in dentistry. Your care reflects the latest evidence-based practices.
The Fotona laser is a significant investment that most general practices don't make. We made it because it genuinely makes treatment better for our patients.
Many general dentists refer complex root canals to an endodontist, a specialist you've never met, at a separate office. Dr. Dham handles root canal treatment in-house, so you stay with someone you trust.
Not Sure If You Need a Root Canal? Let's Find Out Together
Tooth pain doesn't always make it obvious what's wrong and that's completely fine. Come in for a consultation, and Dr. Dham will give you a clear diagnosis, walk you through your options, and answer every question before anything begins. No pressure. No surprises
Serving Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale & all of South Florida.
FAQ
Root Canal FAQs Honest Answers to the Questions We Hear Most
With modern anaesthesia, most patients feel little to nothing during the procedure. In fact, the infection causing your toothache is far more painful than the treatment. Patients often tell us they wished they'd come in sooner.
If you've had local anaesthesia only, yes you can drive yourself home. If you've opted for sedation, you'll need someone to drive you. We'll go over this during your consultation.
Cost depends on the tooth involved (front teeth have fewer canals than molars), the complexity of the case, and whether a crown is needed. We provide full, transparent pricing before any treatment begins. We also work with a wide range of insurance plans. Call us and we'll verify your coverage before your visit.
At Westside Dental Center, most root canal treatments are completed in a single appointment. If you need a crown afterward, our in-house milling means we can often do that the same day too
In most cases, yes. Saving your natural tooth is better for your bite, your bone health, and your overall oral function. Tooth replacement options like implants are excellent but preserving what you have is almost always the first choice.
Leaving a tooth infection untreated allows it to spread to surrounding teeth, the jawbone, and in serious cases, to other parts of the body. It also causes increasing pain. Don't wait. If something feels wrong, call us.
We do treat children at Westside Dental Center. The approach for baby teeth vs. adult teeth differs slightly, and Dr. Dham will walk you through exactly what your child needs and why.
PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
What Our Patients Say About Westside Dental Center
We've been caring for Plantation families for over two decades, and nothing means more to us than hearing that you'd recommend us to someone you love. Here's what some of our patients have to say.
"Dr. Dham and staff have been gentle, careful, and empathetic with minimum discomfort for the work needed. Always had fears with dentists bad experiences in the past. After searching carefully, Westside Dental was referred to me by my child's orthodontist. Best referral received. Won't look any further. From the front desk, to assistants, to doctors, all are the best
"The 35-minute drive was worth it. I had a wonderful experience as a first-time patient. Both the assistant and Dr. Dham were friendly, walked me through every step and procedure, and made sure I was comfortable the whole visit. I have not had a dental visit quite as enjoyable and efficient as this one.
Ready to Stop the Pain? Book Your Root Canal Consultation in Plantation
If you're dealing with tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling don't put it off. The sooner we can see you, the simpler and more comfortable your treatment will be. Dr. Dham and the team at Westside Dental Center are accepting new patients, and we can often get you in the same day.
You'll get a clear diagnosis, a transparent treatment plan, and honest answers to every question before a single procedure begins
