(727) 531-4462A root canal that saves the tooth.
Modern, comfortable root canal therapy performed in-house by Dr. Craig Baker to relieve pain and keep your natural tooth. Serving Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and the surrounding Pinellas communities.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Craig Baker, DMD · General Dentist · AACD Member · Last reviewed Care covered.
What a root canal does
Deep decay, a crack, or trauma can let bacteria reach the pulp inside a tooth. A root canal removes that infected tissue, disinfects the canal, and seals it, ending the infection while keeping the natural tooth in place.
Signs you may need one
Lingering pain, sensitivity to hot or cold that does not fade, pain when biting, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or swelling can all point to pulp infection. An exam and X-ray confirm whether a root canal is needed.
Comfortable, modern care
The tooth is fully numbed before treatment, so the procedure itself feels similar to having a filling placed. Most patients are surprised by how routine it is, and the relief from the original toothache is immediate.
Treated in-house
Dr. Craig Baker performs root canal therapy in the Safety Harbor office as part of his focus on endodontics, which means no separate referral and a team that already has your records and treatment plan.
Why saving the tooth matters
Keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite and jaw bone and avoids the larger project of replacing it. A root canal is almost always the more conservative path than extraction when the tooth can be saved.
The crown afterward
A tooth is more brittle once the pulp is removed, so most back teeth need a crown after a root canal to protect them from fracture. Dr. Baker designs and places that crown so the restored tooth blends in and holds up to chewing.
The team behind the work.
Dr. Craig Baker, whose focus includes endodontics, performs root canal therapy in-house at the Safety Harbor office and places the protective crown that follows, so diagnosis, treatment, and restoration stay with one team.
A severe toothache is an emergency.
Lasting pain, swelling, or a broken tooth needs prompt care. We reserve same-day time for active patients and will guide you until you arrive at the Safety Harbor office.
Questions we hear often.
Is a root canal painful?
The procedure ends pain rather than causing it. The tooth is fully numbed, so treatment feels much like a filling. Mild soreness for a day or two afterward is normal and eases with over-the-counter pain relief.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when biting, a bump on the gum, or swelling can all signal pulp infection. An exam and X-ray confirm it. Do not wait, because an untreated infection only worsens.
Do you do root canals in-house?
Yes. Dr. Craig Baker performs root canal therapy at our Safety Harbor office, so there is no separate referral and your care stays with a team that already knows your history.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
Usually, especially on back teeth. A treated tooth becomes more brittle, so a crown protects it from fracture. Dr. Baker designs and places the crown so the tooth looks natural and stands up to chewing.
Is it better to have a root canal or pull the tooth?
When a tooth can be saved, a root canal is almost always the more conservative choice. Keeping your natural tooth preserves your bite and jaw bone and avoids the larger project of replacing an extracted tooth.
Serving Clearwater, Palm Harbor & the Pinellas coast.
Our office is in downtown Safety Harbor, a short drive from Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Oldsmar, and Westchase. Patients come from across Pinellas County for specialist care they would otherwise be referred out of town for.
Let’s get you in the chair.
Call (727) 531-4462 or request a visit online. We will verify insurance and email you the new-patient paperwork before your first appointment.
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
Wed: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fri: Closed (open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the 2nd Fri of the month)
Sat and Sun: Closed