AACD MEMBER DENTIST • JACKSONVILLE, FL
Save an infected or severely damaged tooth with root canal therapy that removes the infection and preserves your natural tooth structure. Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD performs gentle, efficient root canal treatments at JAX Dental Studio.
★★★★★5.0 | 450+ Reviews
Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD
ADA & AACD Member
Most Insurance Accepted
Jacksonville, FL
Tooth pain that will not let you sleep, eat, or focus on anything else is your body signaling that something is seriously wrong inside the tooth. For Jacksonville and San Marco patients dealing with a deep infection, a cracked tooth, or severe decay that has reached the pulp, root canal therapy offers the most direct path to lasting relief and, in most cases, it means keeping the natural tooth you were born with. At JAX Dental Studio, we approach root canal treatment as an act of preservation, not just a procedure to get through.
Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD brings a calm, patient-centered approach to every case. A graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and an active member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Clear Aligners, and the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, Dr. Poblenz and his team have helped countless Jacksonville-area patients resolve tooth infections comfortably and efficiently. If tooth pain has you searching for answers, the right place to start is here.
Root canal therapy treats the soft inner tissue of a tooth, called the pulp, when it becomes infected or severely inflamed. Deep cavities, a cracked tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or physical trauma can all allow bacteria to reach the pulp. Left untreated, the infection spreads to surrounding bone and can threaten adjacent teeth.
The procedure is straightforward: Dr. Poblenz removes the infected pulp, thoroughly cleans and shapes the canals inside the root, and seals the tooth to prevent future bacterial entry. In most cases, a dental crown is placed afterward to restore full biting strength and function. Most patients are genuinely surprised by how manageable the experience is.
Root canal treatment at JAX Dental Studio delivers four specific outcomes:
According to a systematic review published in NIH’s PubMed Central, root canal success rates have improved significantly with modern techniques, with long-term studies showing strong outcomes for patients who receive appropriate follow-up restoration.
We work with many leading insurance providers, including BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, and Florida Combined Life, to help make your root canal therapy as affordable as possible. For patients without coverage or who want to reduce out-of-pocket costs, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit and our in-house membership plan. Contact us before your appointment and we will verify your benefits so there are no surprises.
Your body sends clear signals when a tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged. Catching these signs early gives you the best outcome and prevents the infection from spreading to adjacent teeth or jawbone.
The most common indicators that root canal therapy may be needed include:
It is worth noting that a tooth needing root canal treatment does not always cause pain. Some infections progress quietly, which is why routine dental exams remain important for catching problems early. If any of these signs sound familiar, have the tooth evaluated at JAX Dental Studio without delay.
Afraid a Root Canal Will Hurt? Here Is the Reality.
Root canals have an undeserved reputation. The pain you feel before the procedure, from the infection itself, is what hurts. The root canal removes that source. With modern local anesthesia and today’s refined techniques, the procedure is routinely compared to getting a dental filling. Most Jacksonville patients tell us they felt far less discomfort than they expected.
One of the most common questions patients ask Dr. Poblenz is whether to save the tooth or have it removed. While tooth extraction is sometimes the right decision, preserving a natural tooth through root canal therapy is almost always the preferred path when the tooth remains a viable candidate.
Root Canal — Save Your Tooth
Extraction + Replacement
Dr. Poblenz provides a candid, thorough assessment for every patient. If the tooth can be saved, root canal therapy is almost always the recommendation. If extraction is genuinely necessary, he will walk you through every replacement option available so you can make the decision that is right for your smile, your health, and your life in Jacksonville.
At JAX Dental Studio, we know that a toothache is already stressful before you even step through our door. Dr. Poblenz completed his Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and has since built a practice grounded in genuine patient comfort, clinical precision, and honest communication at every step. Our entire team exceeds Florida’s continuing education requirements each year, so the care you receive here reflects the current standard of modern dentistry.
We work with BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, and Florida Combined Life to make root canal therapy accessible for Jacksonville and San Marco families. Rated 4.9 stars across more than 508 reviews, our patients consistently describe their experience as calmer and more comfortable than they ever expected. Visit our team page to learn more about the people who will be with you through every step, or schedule your appointment today.
The procedure is straightforward and typically completed in one to two appointments in Jacksonville.
Dr. Poblenz reviews digital X-rays to map the canal and confirm the extent of infection. The area is fully numbed with local anesthesia and a protective dental dam is placed to keep the field clean and dry throughout the procedure.
A small access opening is made in the crown of the tooth, and the infected pulp tissue is carefully removed. The inner canals are shaped and flushed with an antibacterial solution to eliminate bacteria and debris completely.
The clean canals are filled with a biocompatible material and sealed. A custom dental crown is placed to restore full biting strength. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
For upper back teeth, it is normal to notice mild sinus pressure or minor drainage in the days following treatment as the surrounding tissue heals. This typically resolves on its own. If symptoms persist beyond a week, contact our office and we will evaluate the area.
Common questions from Jacksonville and San Marco patients about root canal treatment at JAX Dental Studio
The short answer is no, not the way most people expect. Root canals have an outsized reputation for pain that does not reflect modern dental care. The procedure is performed under thorough local anesthesia, and its goal is to eliminate the pain caused by the infected pulp, not to create new discomfort. Most patients describe the experience as comparable to getting a standard filling. Any mild soreness in the treated area typically resolves within a few days.
In some cases, yes. A root canal can become reinfected if bacteria re-enter through a cracked seal, a damaged crown, or an untreated canal not identified during the initial procedure. Signs of reinfection include returning pain, swelling, or sensitivity. If you experience these symptoms after a root canal, contact JAX Dental Studio promptly. In many cases, endodontic retreatment can resolve the problem and preserve the tooth.
Yes, and it happens more often than most people realize. A tooth that received root canal treatment years ago can become reinfected if the crown fails, a new cavity develops, or a crack allows bacteria back into the root. Annual exams and X-rays help catch changes in treated teeth before symptoms appear. Dr. Poblenz monitors previously treated teeth as part of routine care at JAX Dental Studio.
Most dental insurance plans classify root canal treatment as a major restorative procedure, typically covering 50 to 80 percent of the cost after your deductible. JAX Dental Studio works with BlueCross BlueShield, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, and Florida Combined Life. We recommend calling our office before your appointment so we can verify your specific benefits. For patients without adequate coverage, financing is available through CareCredit and our in-house membership plan.
Most root canals are completed in a single appointment lasting approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Molar teeth or cases involving unusually curved canals, significant infection, or multiple canals may require a second visit. Dr. Poblenz provides an accurate time estimate at your consultation after reviewing your digital X-rays.
A properly treated and crowned tooth can last a lifetime with routine care. The most important factors in long-term success are timely placement of a protective crown after the procedure, twice-yearly cleanings to monitor the treated tooth, and consistent daily oral hygiene. According to research published in NIH's PubMed Central, modern root canal techniques have produced significantly improved long-term success rates compared to earlier methods.

Your Root Canal Dentist in Jacksonville
Dr. Charles Poblenz, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
Dr. Poblenz has built his Jacksonville practice around one principle: an informed patient is a comfortable patient. Before any root canal, he reviews the X-rays with you, explains exactly what will happen, and answers every question you have without rushing. His approach has earned JAX Dental Studio a 4.9-star rating from more than 508 Jacksonville-area patients.
In addition to his DMD, Dr. Poblenz holds active memberships with the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Clear Aligners, the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, and the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics. He and his team exceed Florida's continuing education requirements every year, ensuring the techniques used at JAX Dental Studio remain current with modern standards of care.