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. Jack Zhang.
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. Zhang 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. After an exam, Dr. Zhang 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
If a root canal is the right treatment for you, our team will do our best to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your appointment. We understand that dental procedures can be anxiety-producing. If you suffer from dental anxiety, talk to us ahead of time to see what we can do to help you relax.
When facing a root canal, most patients express fear over the pain of the procedure. Dr. Zhang will apply a local anesthetic to help numb the area and reduce pain. Most patients report feeling pressure during the treatment but little to no pain. If you do experience pain at any time, be sure to let us know. Anesthetics may need to be reapplied.
Pulp Removal
Once the area is numb, Dr. Zhang will proceed with the process of removing the infected pulp. To do this, Dr. Zhang 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. Zhang 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 repeat 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.
Root Canal Therapy in Cary, NC
If you experience sharp pain or high sensitivity, infection could be the root cause. At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we can offer root canal therapy right from the comfort of our Cary, NC, office. Call us today at 919-823-7107 to schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Zhang and see if endodontic treatment is right for you.