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Root Canal (Endodontics) in Oldsmar, FL
Save Your Tooth
Why People Love Pine Avenue Smiles
Expertise in Saving Teeth
At Pine Avenue Smiles in Oldsmar, FL, we focus on endodontics—advanced care for the inside of your tooth—to save teeth whenever possible. Non-surgical root canal therapy is complex, so Dr. Ricky Pan provides personalized care from start to finish, using a powerful dental microscope and laser dentistry for the best possible results. Every tooth and every patient is unique—our approach reflects that.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a gentle, modern endodontic treatment that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside your tooth, thoroughly disinfects the canal system, and seals it to prevent reinfection. The goal is simple: relieve pain, stop infection, and save your natural tooth so you can chew comfortably and smile confidently.
Thanks to local anesthesia, high-magnification microscopes, and laser-assisted disinfection, treatment is typically comfortable—and far more predictable than extracting a tooth and replacing it later.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
- Persistent toothache or pain when chewing or biting
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold (lasting 10+ seconds)
- Swelling, tenderness, or a pimple/“bubble” on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Cracked, chipped, or deeply decayed tooth
- Bad taste or drainage, especially near a single tooth
- Pain that wakes you at night or requires pain relievers to manage
Get Relief
When you’re in pain, the first step is identifying the true source of the problem. We use targeted testing and digital imaging to diagnose accurately, then act quickly to get you comfortable—often the same day. (Antibiotics alone don’t remove infection inside a tooth; definitive care is what ends the cycle.)
Protect Time & Health
A non-surgical root canal is often the most predictable, efficient way to save your natural tooth and preserve your bite and jaw health. While dental implants are an excellent option when a tooth truly can’t be saved, they typically involve more time, steps, and cost than preserving your own tooth.
Laser-Assisted Non-Surgical Root Canal Therapy: What to Expect
With advanced microscopes and laser technology, Dr. Pan delivers precise, comfortable care from start to finish.
Exam & Diagnosis
Digital imaging and focused tests pinpoint the source of pain.
Comfort & Isolation
Gentle anesthesia and a protective isolation dam keep the area clean and you comfortable.
Access & Cleaning
A tiny opening allows us to remove infected tissue and shape the canals under high magnification for thorough cleaning.
Laser Disinfection
Laser energy reaches into complex canal anatomy to further reduce bacteria beyond standard irrigation.
Seal & Strengthen
Canals are sealed with a biocompatible material; a temporary or permanent filling is placed to close the opening.
Final Protection
Most back teeth (and some front teeth) usually require a custom crown after healing to restore full strength and protect against fractures.
Healing & Aftercare
Most patients return to normal routines the same day. Mild tenderness for 24–72 hours is common and usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your final restoration (often a crown) is completed, and keep up great brushing and flossing.
Persistent or severe pain beyond 3 days is not typical—please call (813) 359-9756 for a follow-up. Also, contact us if you notice swelling, fever, or if a temporary filling or crown loosens.
Why Patients Choose Us
Save Your Tooth
– Keep your natural bite, smile, and bone health whenever possible.
Real Pain Relief
Swift, accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment to end discomfort.
Microscope + Laser
Technology that supports cleaner canals and precise results.
Family-Owned Since 1987
Honest, patient-first dentistry. Do No Harm. Do It Right.
Compassionate Dentistry for the Whole Family
At Pine Avenue Smiles, you will experience a warm, peaceful environment and a close-knit community. Our goal is to help you achieve your dream smile and lifelong dental health. We always offer judgment-free, honest, straightforward dental care so you can feel confident that you are receiving only the best care possible.
Whether you’re new to the area or are looking for a new dentist in Oldsmar, you’ve come to the right place. We can’t wait to meet you!
Whether you’re new to the area or are looking for a new dentist in Oldsmar, you’ve come to the right place. We can’t wait to meet you!
Financing Options
Whether it’s through tailored payment plans, our partnerships with CareCredit, SunBit, and Denefits, or our acceptance of various payment methods, we make it possible for you to achieve your dream smile without financial strain.
We do not accept: HMO or Medicaid.
Trust & Honesty
We empower you with knowledge and choices, ensuring that the dental care you receive is the dental care you need. No hidden agendas, just pure, patient-centered service!
State-of-the-Art Dentistry
Dentistry is constantly evolving, and so are we! Our commitment to state-of-the-art dentistry means that you benefit from the latest advancements in dental technology and techniques. Enjoy faster, more comfortable visits with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a root canal (endodontic) treatment?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth, disinfects the canals, and seals them to prevent reinfection—so you can keep your natural tooth, chew comfortably, and relieve pain.
Will a root canal hurt?
With modern anesthesia and gentle technique, most patients feel pressure but not pain during treatment. Discomfort usually improves quickly once inflammation is addressed.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include lingering sensitivity to hot/cold, pain with chewing, swelling or a pimple on the gums, tooth discoloration, or a cracked/deeply decayed tooth. Digital tests and imaging confirm the diagnosis.
Why save the tooth instead of extracting it and getting an implant?
When predictable, saving your natural tooth is typically more efficient and cost-effective, preserving your bite and jawbone. Implants are excellent when a tooth truly can’t be saved, but they usually require more time and steps.
What technology do you use for root canals?
Dr. Pan uses a high-magnification dental microscope for precision and laser-assisted disinfection to reduce bacteria in complex canal anatomy, supporting thorough, comfortable care.
How many visits will I need, and how long does it take?
Many cases are completed in one visit of about 60–90 minutes. Complex infections or anatomy can require a short second visit for best results.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
Often, yes—especially for back teeth. A custom crown strengthens the tooth and helps prevent fractures after the internal structure has been cleaned and sealed.
Can antibiotics alone fix a tooth infection?
No. Antibiotics may ease symptoms temporarily but can’t remove infected tissue inside the tooth. Definitive endodontic treatment is needed to resolve the source.
What is recovery like?
Most patients return to normal routines the same day. Mild tenderness for a few days is common; avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the final restoration is placed. Severe or persistent pain beyond 3 days isn’t typical—please call (813) 359-9756.
Does insurance cover root canals, and do you offer financing?
Many plans contribute toward root canal therapy and necessary restorations. We’ll explain your benefits and offer flexible options (e.g., CareCredit, Sunbit, Denefits) to keep care accessible.r
Learn More About Root Canals
WebMD: Dental Health and Root Canals
Healthline: How Long Will I Have to Sit in the Dentist Chair During a Root Canal?
Cleveland Clinic: Root Canals
We Are In-Network With Select Insurances
As part of our commitment to you, we are pleased to accept select insurances: Ameritas, Cigna, Humana, and MetLife. You may also check if your insurance offers out-of-network benefits by completing the form below.
We do not accept: HMO or Medicaid.
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United Concordia
UHC
Unum
Sun life
Standard
Reliance Standard
Metlife
Lincoln
Guardian
GEHA
Ameritas
Aetna
Humana PPO
Medicare
United Healthcare
TRICARE Dental Program (TDP)
United Healthcare Global (Inside U.S.)
United Healthcare Community Plan
United Concordia - Tricare Dental Plan
United Concordia - Federal Employees Program
UFT Welfare Fund
United Concordia (Encounters)
United Concordia - Dental Plus - PA Blue Shield
UniCare
United Concordia Companies, Inc.
Trigon - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Virginia
Trigon - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Colorado
Tricare Retiree Dental Program
Tricare Active Reservists
Standard Insurance Co. of New York
Sun Life Financial (United Concordia)
Skygen USA
Standard Insurance
SelectHealth
Securian/Patriot Dental
Securian Dental
Reliance Standard Life
Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oregon (out of State Providers)
Public Employee Health Program (PEHP)
Principal
PrimeWest
PrimeCare, Wisconsin State and Federal Employees and Medicaid
Physicians Mutual (Dental)
Oklahoma DRS Doc
Phoenix Health Plans (DentaQuest)
Medicaid of Wisconsin - DentaQuest
Molina
North Dakota Dental Service
Minnesota Blue Cross Dental (UCCI)
Metlife PPO (PDP Plus only)
Medicaid of Wisconsin, PrimeCare
Medicaid of Wisconsin, Humana / TDC
Medicaid of Washington
Medicaid of Virginia, HealthKeepers Plus
Medicaid of Texas - DentaQuest
Medicaid of Utah
Medicaid of Texas - MCNA
Medicaid of Tennessee, BlueCare
Medicaid of New York
Medicaid of Minnesota
Medicaid of Indiana
Medicaid of Michigan
Medicaid of Connecticut
Medicaid of Alabama
HealthScope Benefits
Level
Managed DentalGuard
Managed Care of North America, Inc. (MCNA)
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Local 38 Health & Welfare Fund
Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund
Humana Specialty Benefits State of Florida Dental
Humana Specialty Benefits Florida Healthy Kids Dental
Humana
Humana CompBenefits Federal Plan Dental
Hershey Healthsmile
Healthsource Provident
HealthScope Benefits (Tribute Health Plan)
HealthScope Benefits/ Morris Associates
HealthScope Benefits / EHC Repricing
HealthScope Benefits/ACPMO
HealthChoice Oklahoma
Healthcare Highways
HDS Medicaid
Hawaii Dental Service
Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America
Golden West Dental
Florida Combined Life (Dental)
First Reliance Standard
Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Direct Dental Administrators, Inc.
Dental Guard Preferred
Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators
DentaQuest - Government
DeltaCare USA - Encounters
Delta Dental - Tricare Retiree
Delta Dental of West Virginia
Delta Dental of Washington DC
Delta Dental of Virginia
Delta Dental of Washington
Delta Dental of Rhode Island
Metlife
Humana
Cigna
Ameritas
Expert Care in Saving Teeth
Dr. Ricky Pan
DMD, FICOI
Dr. Andy Pan
DMD
As a family-owned and operated dental practice, we are proud to call ourselves your neighbors. Our whole team is committed to providing caring and patient-centered service. Come see what it’s like to be a part of our dental family!
Your Smile, Your Way
Dr. Pan’s philosophy is based on honesty, compassion, and excellence in dentistry. We focus on listening to our patients and giving them options so they are always in control of their own dental health. Because dental health is linked to overall wellness, we take your concerns, considerations, and smile goals very seriously.
Continuing a Legacy of Care
Dr. Pan proudly continues the legacy of Dr. Cohen and Dr. Jamieson, who founded our family practice in 1984. We blend the personalized care you love with modern techniques and technology, ensuring you receive the best care possible.
✕
Dr. Ricky Pan
Dr. Ricky Pan loves seeing the renewed confidence that a completely transformed smile brings to his patients' faces. It's what drew him to dentistry. Finding that joy, fulfillment, and sense of purpose is what keeps him motivated to continue his dental education and better serve his patients.
On a never-ending quest to improve his skills in clinical dentistry, he has become a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) where less than 1% of 704,000+ dentists worldwide have earned the Fellow credentials. Fellows of the ICOI are among the top dentists in the world performing implant dentistry procedures.
Asociations
FUN FACTS
His favorite food is steak.
His favorite movie is Gladiator.
His favorite music genre is chill indie.
A lifelong Floridian, Dr. Pan is here to serve patients like you so you can receive the care you need to get the smile you want. From dental implants to preventive care, Pine Avenue Smiles delivers nothing but beautiful smiles to our beloved community.
PASSING THE TORCH
Dr. Pan is honored to be taking over for Dr. Cohen and Dr. Jamieson who started this family practice back in 1984. Our stellar team and Dr. Pan are here to provide you with the same personalized care you know along with the modernization of technology and techniques to provide you with the best care possible.
