Do you have chronic tooth pain and sensitivity? You may have a dental infection. A tooth infection, or tooth decay, occurs when harmful bacteria enter a tooth. Bacteria inflames the dental pulp within the tooth. The dental pulp comprises nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive.
Oftentimes, patients can develop cavities, or holes in teeth, caused by bacteria. Cavities and inflamed dental pulp create even more discomfort. At Reedy Creek Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer root canal treatment in Cary, NC, to remove the infected dental pulp and address decay. We aim to ensure our patient’s comfort throughout this dental treatment for a smooth procedure and recovery.
Signs of Dental Infections
There are multiple common symptoms of tooth decay, including:
- Holes or pits in the tooth enamel
- Throbbing toothaches
- Sensitivtiy to temperature
- Facial or jaw swelling
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Pain when biting and chewing
Please contact our dental office if you notice any of these signs or changes in your smile. We will customize your care according to your specific goals, budget, and symptoms.
Root Canal Treatment in Cary, NC
Before root canal treatment, we take dental x-rays to view the infected teeth to form a treatment plan. Then, we will use a local anesthetic that numbs the treated area and prepares the tooth. Patients may feel some sensation during treatment, but they will not feel any pain or discomfort.
Then, we make a small hole in the back of the tooth to access the pulp. We clean out the pulp, disinfect the tooth chamber, and fill the tooth with a dental filling. We recommend a dental crown if patients have worn or damaged teeth. A dental crown is a cap that fully covers a tooth. Crowns can help protect the treated tooth and create a more balanced bite.
After the root canal, patients should follow a soft diet and avoid biting or chewing near the treated tooth. We may also prescribe pain medication for our patients to ensure comfort throughout the healing process.
Root Canal FAQs
How long do root canals take?
The number of appointments needed for root canal therapy will depend on the severity of the infection in your tooth. A root canal typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to perform. A bigger tooth with many roots may require up to an hour and a half of treatment time.
How many days do you need to recover from a root canal?
Most of the time, recovering from a root canal operation just takes a few days. For the first 24 to 48 hours following the surgery, the patient may experience some irritability or discomfort. We recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to treat this discomfort.
Do I need antibiotics after root canal?
After a root canal, antibiotics are not strictly necessary. You just need a short period of time to recover from a root canal, and the greatest method for quick recovery is post-operative care. However, to increase the likelihood of a successful outcome, we may advise that you begin taking antibiotics before your root canal.
Can you be put to sleep for a root canal?
To put clients at rest throughout their root canal operation, there are two types of anesthesia available. The patient stays awake while under conscious sedation. The patient is rendered unconscious while under anesthesia.
Can I eat before a root canal?
If you’re wondering whether you can eat or drink before getting a root canal, the answer is yes. Eating before the treatment can prevent you from becoming very hungry or thirsty following because your mouth will remain numb and uncomfortable for several hours.
Request an Appointment Today
Do you have a dental infection? Save your tooth with comfortable root canal treatment. Call us at 919.646.6294 or schedule your next dental visit on our website.