You may have a dental infection if you have chronic tooth pain and sensitivity. A tooth infection, or decay, occurs when harmful bacteria enter a tooth. Bacteria inflame the dental pulp within the tooth, which is made of the nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive. Oftentimes, patients can develop cavities or holes in teeth caused by bacteria. At Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer root canal treatment in Cary, NC.
A root canal can 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. After recovering from a root canal, you can benefit from better dental health and a more comfortable bite.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
Poor oral hygiene, a weakened immune system, and even problems like crooked teeth can contribute to tooth decay. Knowing the signs of a tooth infection can help when you visit our office.
There are multiple common symptoms of tooth decay, including:
- Holes or pits in the tooth enamel
- Throbbing toothaches
- Sensitivity 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 goals, budget, and symptoms. Whether you need root canal therapy or tooth removal, we can help find the source of your pain.
The Root Canal Treatment in Cary, NC
Before root canal treatment, we take dental X-rays to view the infected teeth and form a treatment plan. If we can save your tooth, we will recommend a root canal.
We use a local anesthetic to numb the treated area and prepare the tooth to begin root canal treatment. You may feel some sensation during treatment but will not feel any pain or discomfort.
Then, we make a small hole in the back of the tooth to access the pulp. We will remove the diseased pulp and shape the root canal. Then, we will clean and disinfect the tooth chamber. Finally, we fill the tooth with a tooth-colored dental filling. This white filling will blend in with the appearance of your tooth.
In most cases, we can provide same-day root canal treatment. However, if you have additional dental concerns, your root canal can take multiple visits.
Additionally, we will recommend a dental crown if you have worn or damaged teeth. A dental crown is a cap that fully covers a tooth. The crown will help protect your worn tooth and create a more balanced bite. Dental crowns also help add structure to teeth weakened by infection.
We can provide a temporary crown while a lab creates your porcelain crown. Our office will color-match your porcelain crown for a natural look.
The Cost of Root Canal Treatment
Multiple factors can impact the cost of a root canal, including:
- Number of treated teeth
- Location of treated teeth
- Treatment time
- Sedation and anesthetic
- Dental crowns
Molars often cost more than the front teeth because the molars have multiple roots. Front teeth only have one tooth root.
At Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we accept dental insurance and will file insurance for you in our office. We also accept CareCredit, which provides flexible payment plans.
Root Canal Recovery
We will provide specific post-root canal instructions for you after treatment. After the root canal, you should follow a soft diet and avoid biting or chewing near the treated tooth. Hard or crunchy foods can increase irritation and pain. We may also prescribe pain medication to ensure comfort throughout the healing process.
Swelling is a normal reaction following the root canal procedure. You can use an ice pack on your cheek for fifteen minutes at a time, several times daily. The ice will help reduce inflammation.
Root Canal FAQs
Learn more about what to expect during root canal treatment in our Cary, NC office with answers to these questions:
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 takes a few days. For the first 24 to 48 hours following the surgery, you may experience some irritability or discomfort. We recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses to reduce swelling. After a couple of days,
Do I need antibiotics after the root canal?
Antibiotics are not strictly necessary after a root canal. You need a short period of time to recover, 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?
Yes, depending on the type of anesthesia, you can be asleep during your root canal. Our office provides sedation and anesthesia. You will stay awake while under conscious sedation and unconscious while under anesthesia. However, while you are not asleep under sedation, you will not feel any pain or discomfort.
Are root canals painful?
No, you will not feel any pain during your root canal. We will numb your treated tooth before treatment. Once the anesthetic wears off, we recommend pain medication to minimize your discomfort as you heal.
Root canals are comparable to fillings. We will ensure your comfort throughout and after your root canal. Our office can also recommend anesthesia or sedation so you feel relaxed.
Can I eat before a root canal?
Yes, you can eat or drink before getting a root canal. Eating before the treatment can prevent you from becoming very hungry or thirsty. Your mouth will remain numb for several hours after treatment.
Get a Root Canal Today
Do you have a dental infection? Save your tooth with comfortable root canal treatment in Cary, NC. Call us at 919-646-6294. You can also schedule your next dental visit on our website.
If you have any questions about root canal therapy, we can answer them at your next visit. We serve patients from Medfield Estates, Ivy Meadows, and Glosson Estates.