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
Most patients will need a dental crown after root canal treatment to support the 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.
Why Choose Dr. Nguyen for Root Canal Treatment?
When you need a root canal, you want a trusted dentist with proven skill and a gentle approach. Dr. Hieu Nguyen brings both.
During dental school, Dr. Nguyen received the Outstanding Student Award in Oral Surgery from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS). This award is given to only a select few students who demonstrate exceptional skill, knowledge, and patient care. It is a recognition of his precision, his training, and his commitment to doing things right.
Dr. Nguyen is also an active member of the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society. He regularly attends continuing education courses to stay current with the latest techniques and technologies. This means you receive care that is modern, evidence-based, and effective.
But what truly sets Dr. Nguyen apart is how he cares for his patients. He treats every person like family. If you need dental care, he will explain the procedure in plain language. He will also check in with you throughout your visit to make sure you’re comfortable, from pretreatment to recovery.
Patient Review
Root Canal FAQs
Read answers to common questions about root canals in our Cary, NC, dental office.
Do root canals really hurt?
You’ve probably heard horror stories about root canals. The truth is, with today’s technology and numbing techniques, most patients say the procedure feels no different than getting a filling.
The real pain is the toothache that brings you in. Root canal therapy relieves that pain by removing the infected tissue and saving your natural tooth. At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our goal is to get you comfortable and keep you comfortable.
How long does a root canal take?
On average, a root canal can take 60 to 90 minutes. This also depends on the number of teeth that need treatment. You may also need a second visit if you have a complicated case.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
Dr. Nguyen will recommend a dental crown after your root canal if you have a weakened tooth. Tooth decay can affect the structure of your tooth, and the root canal procedure itself removes some of the inner tooth material. This can leave your tooth more fragile and prone to cracking or breaking under normal chewing pressure.
A dental crown fits over the entire tooth like a protective cap. It restores strength, preserves your natural tooth structure, and helps prevent reinfection.
What can I eat after a root canal?
After a root canal, you can eat, but your mouth will be numb for a few hours after the procedure. If you eat too soon, you might accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. Wait until you can feel everything again before you eat.
Stick to soft foods for the first few days, including:
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Apple sauce
- Smoothies
- Soft pasta
Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods and avoid chewing on the treated tooth or teeth until you are fully healed.
Do you offer same-day and emergency root canals?
Yes. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or swelling, don’t wait. We offer same-day and emergency appointments whenever possible.
Call our office at 919-823-7107, and we will do our best to get you in quickly. Prompt treatment can save your tooth and prevent the infection from spreading.
How long will my tooth last after a root canal?
With good care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last a lifetime. The key is taking care of it just like your other teeth.
Here is what you need to do:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to clean between your teeth.
- Visit the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
Root canals have a very high success rate. Most treated teeth last for many years, often for the rest of your life.
Get 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, dentist office. Call us today at 919-823-7107 to schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Nguyen and see if endodontic treatment is right for you.