What is Root Canal Therapy?

f you have a damaged or decayed tooth, your dentist may suggest root canal therapy. Our team at Charlotte Emergency has found that patients often associate the term “root canal” with a negative, scary, or painful experience. That’s why we have come together to explain any misconceptions surrounding the procedure, and to provide you with a more clear definition of what a root canal really entails.

A root canal is most often required for a tooth that has become badly decayed over time. Most commonly the decay has developed from a cracked tooth, deep cavity, or some kind of trauma. In these cases, decay has spread beyond just the enamel and has now reached the nerve structure held deep inside your teeth, called the pulp. As the pulp’s structure begins to die, an infection develops. This infection is what causes the discomfort and swelling behind the sharp toothache you are probably feeling.

Once your infection has begun to cause sharp pain like this, you can trust our experts at Charlotte Emergency Dental to provide you with quick and effective root canal therapy to get your oral health back on track. To begin your root canal procedure, we will numb the affected area so that you will feel minimum pain or discomfort. Then, we will remove the infected pulp and prepare your tooth for a filling. This filling will protect the tooth’s internal structure against harmful bacteria and infection in the future.

So, why go through this process? Root canal therapy can save your tooth from further damage and help you avoid tooth extraction. It reinforces your tooth’s internal structure and provides added stability so that you can return to your regular eating and oral hygiene routines. If you are experiencing sharp tooth pain or have any more questions regarding a root canal, don’t hesitate to call us at (704) 525-3939. We are happy to answer any of your questions!