Root Canals in Charlotte

Root canals are necessary dental procedures to treat a tooth's pulp (nerve) that has become irreversibly damaged, most commonly due to an untreated cavity or decay. If left untreated, a tooth with irreparable damage may become infected, resulting in an excruciatingly painful abscess.

Root canal treatment is typically recommended for broken or fractured teeth and teeth severely worn down by chewing. Although there are many misconceptions about root canals, they are generally safe procedures when performed by a qualified dentist.

Learn more about what to expect from root canals by Charlotte Emergency Dental.

Charlotte Emergency Dental

Charlotte Emergency Dental is a dental clinic that provides dental services for people in need of urgent care. We’re open seven days a week, with extended hours. Our team of dentists and dental assistants can provide dental care for various dental situations.

While we do offer emergency dental services, we also provide general dentistry services.No matter your reason for visiting, we will take care of you!

We are located at 4010 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure that removes damaged tissue from inside the tooth to save the tooth. When your tooth becomes infected, bacteria can travel through the tooth's root and into the surrounding bone, causing infection and sometimes even death of the bone.

Root canal therapy is the removal of nerve tissue from the canal of the root of your tooth due to decay or infection. The canals need to be cleaned, shaped, and filled so that a crown can then be placed on top of the tooth. The crown protects the tooth from fracturing again after the root canal therapy has been completed.

Who needs a root canal?

Root canals are often recommended for patients who have broken or fractured teeth or teeth that have been worn down so much that they are at risk of breaking. While these cases do not always require root canals, they are likely to lead to pain. Pain can be treated by root canals.

Other instances in which root canals are necessary include untreated cavities or other tooth infections. If a toothache persists, it is essential to see a dentist to determine the cause of the pain and treat it as soon as possible.

Why is a root canal necessary?

A root canal is necessary to treat a tooth that has become decayed or infected. This may happen when the soft tissue inside a tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or when the tooth breaks and the soft tissue inside becomes exposed. Without a root canal, the infection could spread to the gums and bones that support the teeth, potentially requiring tooth extraction.

Root canals are performed to remove the diseased pulp of the tooth, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth that was once hollow becomes solid and can no longer serve as a passageway for bacteria. Root canals are performed in a dentist’s office and require local anesthesia.

Treatment may also require a temporary filling or crown to protect the tooth and surrounding tissue.

Preparation for Root Canals

The first step of root canal preparation is cleaning the tooth thoroughly. A root canal treatment will likely involve a couple of appointments. The tooth will be cleaned and prepared for root canal treatment during the first visit.

You will also need to see your dentist for x-rays. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth at this appointment and decide if root canal treatment is necessary.

How is a root canal performed?

A root canal procedure is done when a tooth has been infected or decayed to the point where it may have to be removed if nothing is done. This is done with local anesthesia, which usually means that no needles are used, only a tiny syringe that numbs the area being worked on.

When a tooth has been infected for some time, the infection can travel through the tooth root and into the surrounding bone. This can cause serious problems, including bone loss and significant tooth loss. Sometimes a root canal is needed to prevent the tooth from dying.

Once the tooth has been cleaned and an x-ray taken, the dentist will prepare the tooth for the root canal. This may be done by removing the infected soft tissue inside the tooth and filling the tooth with a unique filling material.

This root canal filling is removed after the root canal procedure is complete and will be replaced with a crown or other type of restoration.

Aftercare After a Root Canal

Once a root canal has been performed, the tooth may continue to be sensitive to cold temperatures, sweets, and other irritations. While it is normal to experience some post-operative discomfort after a root canal, monitoring the healing and taking painkillers as necessary is essential.

Regular cleaning and flossing will help to maintain your new dental work. It is essential to contact your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any unusual pain after a root canal.