Root Canal in Fletcher, NC
Gentle Root Canal Therapy in Fletcher, NC
At Williams Family Dentistry in Fletcher, NC, we understand that the phrase "root canal" can cause anxiety, but our team is dedicated to providing gentle, comfortable, and effective root canal therapy. A root canal is a common restorative procedure designed to save a tooth that has been severely damaged by deep decay, infection, or trauma. By removing the infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and then filling and sealing them, we can alleviate pain, prevent further infection, and preserve your natural tooth.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Saves Your Natural Tooth
Root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction and preserving your natural bite and alignment.
Relieves Pain & Discomfort
By removing the infected pulp, root canal treatment effectively eliminates the source of pain and discomfort caused by the infection.
Prevents Spread of Infection
Treating the infection within the tooth prevents it from spreading to other teeth, gums, or even other parts of your body.
When is a Root Canal Necessary?
A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face. Symptoms often include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling of the gums around the affected tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact us immediately for an evaluation.
Common Questions About Root Canal Therapy
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the inner chambers, and then fills and seals them to prevent further infection and save the tooth.
Modern root canal procedures are typically not painful. With local anesthesia, the treatment is often no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. The procedure itself is designed to relieve the pain caused by the infection.
A root canal procedure usually takes one to two appointments, each lasting between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the tooth's root canal system.
After a root canal, the tooth may be sensitive for a few days. It's common to place a temporary filling, followed by a permanent restoration like a dental crown, which is crucial to protect the treated tooth from fracture and restore its full function.
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has received its permanent restoration. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the health of the tooth and surrounding tissues.