Root Canal Raleigh NC Root canal therapy often has a negative connotation. It brings to mind lots of pain. But at Stansell Dentistry Associates it doesn't have to be that way. We believe that root canals are an incredibly important and restorative treatment option, and that done correctly, they actually relieve pain, not cause more of it. What Is Root Canal Therapy?Technically, a "root canal" is not the procedure itself, but a place inside our teeth where there is a special type of soft, living tissue known as dental pulp. Sometimes, this pulp can become infected, which can cause a lot of pain. If it is not treated, it can even result in loss of the tooth, which is something we never want to happen. We will always try to save your tooth before suggesting extraction. Unfortunately, treating infected dental pulp isn't so simple as just brushing and flossing more. Root canal therapy requires treatment from a dentist, in which we go in and scrape out the infected pulp and nerve. Then we clean out the space and replace the pulp with special materials. You Need A Root Canal If You Have Extensive DecayThe pulp is the soft core of your tooth that extends from the visible area of your tooth called the crown to the tip of your tooth's root in your jawbone. If you have a cavity, bacteria will be able to spread into the pulp of your tooth. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, injuries to your tooth can cause pulp damage and inflammation. The buildup of bacteria and decaying material will cause a serious infection or a tooth abscess. This means loss of your pulp, tooth enamel, and bone structure. If you have a hole in your tooth, pain, or temperature sensitivity in your tooth you may need a root canal. Swelling in your gums, face, or mouth, may also mean you need a root canal. Root canals are only necessary if you have extensive damage to your tooth and your treatment includes placing a crown over your tooth. Do I Need A Root Canal?Sometimes you might not notice anything wrong, but usually there are a few notable symptoms of inflamed or infected pulp. If you have a bad toothache, an abscess in your gums, or heightened tooth sensitivity, then you should come in for an exam to see if root canal therapy might be a good solution. A root canal can also be used if you have a tooth that has been severely damaged, either internally or externally. This means that even if you cannot see any obvious damage to one of your teeth, your pulp can still be damaged, running the risk of developing an abscess. What Is a Root Canal Treatment Like?An experienced general dentist or an endodontist will perform your procedure. Your root canal procedure will only take two appointments and about an hour of your time. For your first appointment, x-rays will be taken so that we can see exactly how much of your tooth has been affected by decay. With these photos, our dentist will be able to effectively spot decay down to the pulp. For your next appointment we will be able to cement a new tooth into place. The area will need to be covered to restore your tooth's normal function and protect it to prevent further decay. Root canals are a treatment for teeth with extensive decay and it will require a crown to finish fully restoring your tooth. The first thing our highly skilled dentists do for every root canal is a thorough cleaning of the canal itself. After placing you under local anesthesia so that you will have little to no pain during your root canal, we will use specialized files, drills, laser, or air abrasion instruments to remove the inflamed or infected pulp and decay and carefully sculpt the chamber for the filling. Different fillings might be used, but most commonly we prefer a rubbery, biocompatible compound called gutta-percha that is cemented into place. Sometimes all of this can be done in a single session, but depending on the severity of your tooth, you might need more than one appointment Once we're satisfied the damaged pulp is entirely cleaned out, we'll seal the tooth. We encourage you to return for a crown or other restorative treatment to protect your newly cleaned tooth. It is Important Not to Delay TreatmentIf you fear getting a root canal you may want to delay your treatment; however it is important not to wait until it is too late and the tooth cannot be saved. Root canal alternatives include dental implants, bridges, or a removable partial denture. These treatments will be more painful and invasive. The pain that you experience living with a decayed tooth is even more painful. And if not taken care of in a timely manner, will most likely result in the affected tooth having to be extracted. A Root Canal Provides a Permanent RemedyA root canal procedure gets rid of all of the bacteria in the diseased tooth, leaving it free from any form of manifestation. Most of the tooth pain comes from the pulp being invaded by bacteria, which leads to decay and cavities that corrode the enamel, exposing the dental pulp. If you observe proper oral hygiene protocols and pursue regular dental checkups, your teeth should stay in good health. Root Canal Dentist RaleighOur team of dentists know and understand that you might be nervous about root canal therapy, and that is why we want the chance to reassure you. Here at Stansell Dentistry Associates in North Carolina, we strive to make all of our root canal procedures both painless and affordable. We want you to be able to get back to your daily life and routine as soon as possible, without worrying about ever needing to lose a tooth through decay or extraction. Give us a call today at 984-477-0177 and find out just how easy it can be to save your teeth! |
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Locations & HoursBrier Creek9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204 Raleigh, NC 27617-4879 Phone: 984-477-0177 Fax: 919-249-1375 Office Hours Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm North Raleigh1911 Falls Valley Drive, Ste 107 Raleigh, NC 27615 Phone: 984-206-4242 Fax: 919-249-2145 Office Hours Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm Knightdale1101 Great Falls Ct, Ste 102 Knightdale, NC 27545 Phone: 984-733-0330 Fax: 919-415-1849 Office Hours Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm Tues: 8:30am - 5:30pm Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm Thur: 8:30am - 4:30pm Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm |
