At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer full root canal services in one convenient location. If you experience sharp pain or high sensitivity, you could have an infected root pulp. A successful root canal at our Cary, NC, office could help alleviate pain and preserve your natural tooth. If you think you may have a tooth infection, contact our office today to schedule an endodontics consultation with Dr. Hieu Nguyen.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Everyone’s mouth is different, and our bodies can react to infection and disease in different ways. While pain is the most common sign of an infected pulp, you may need a root canal without feeling any pain at all. Other signs that could point to an endodontic problem include:

• High sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures
• Discoloration
• Tooth decay
• Swelling of the gums
• Discomfort or pain while brushing or flossing

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may have an infected pulp. Even if a root canal isn’t needed, any cases of pain or discomfort could point to another dental condition. If you notice any problems, contact our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Endodontics and The Root Canal Process

At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we strive to provide comfort and convenience for our patients. That’s why we offer full-service endodontic procedures whenever possible. By performing each step of the root canal process in our Cary, NC, office, we can help streamline your treatment.

Consultation and Examination

To start, Dr. Nguyen will thoroughly examine the affected area. This often includes taking X-rays of the tooth to determine the depth of infection and the health of the roots. Dr. Nguyen may also take images using an intraoral camera as needed.

After an exam, Dr. Nguyen will consult with you about your treatment options. If tooth decay hasn’t reached the inner pulp yet, you may only need a dental filling or crown instead of a root canal. But if the infection is widespread and affects the entirety of your tooth, a root canal may not be enough to restore your oral health.

Preparation

When facing a root canal, most patients express fear over the pain of the procedure. We know that dental procedures can make anyone nervous. That’s why we go out of our way to keep you comfortable:

• Gentle numbing: We use a topical numbing gel before any injections, so you barely feel a thing.
• You’re in control: Just raise your hand if you need a break. We’ll pause as long as you need.
• Music or headphones: Bring your favorite playlist if that helps you relax.

If you have dental anxiety, let us know when you call. We’ll talk through your options and find what works best for you. If you do experience pain at any time, be sure to let us know. We can reapply anesthetics if needed.

Pulp Removal

Once the area is numb, Dr. Nguyen will proceed with the process of removing the infected pulp. To do this, Dr. Nguyen will drill a small hole in your tooth. He will then use specialized extraction tools to remove the pulp from your root canal. Many patients express immediate relief of pain or discomfort once the pulp has been removed. To help protect your tooth, Dr. Nguyen will then fill the hole with a special biocompatible material.

Dental Crown Restoration

In most cases, a dental crown is crucial to help preserve your tooth and prevent repeated infection. At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we can begin prepping your tooth for a dental crown right away. This could help reduce the number of appointments you need and help provide better protection for your natural tooth structure.