Root Canal Therapy in Durham, NC

One of the most common questions patients ask about root canals is how long the procedure will take. The answer depends on a few factors, including the severity of the infection and the number of teeth involved. 

Root canal therapy in our Durham, NC office is usually scheduled for a longer, two-hour appointment and is typically completed in one visit. Longer appointments are necessary to properly remove all of the damaged tissue, remove any infection from the tooth, and allow medications to be appropriately administered and absorbed.

Root canal therapy is one of the most common dental procedures and has a very high success rate. In fact, many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime. There are several reasons for this. First, the dentist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, bacteria, and debris from the tooth.

Second, the root canal is filled with material to ensure complete sealing, which helps to prevent reinfection. Finally, the dentist seals the tooth with a crown or filling, which helps to protect it from further damage. As a result, root canal treatment is a highly effective way to save a tooth that would otherwise be lost to decay or infection.

Contact our Durham dental office to learn more.

No, it is not. Advances in dental technology, local anesthesia, and treatment techniques have made root canal procedures far more comfortable than their outdated reputation suggests.

Many patients who come in for root canal therapy in Durham, NC, assume that, while the treatment will relieve their pain, the procedure itself will also be painful. In reality, modern root canal therapy is designed to relieve pain while causing little to no discomfort of its own.

Why Root Canal Therapy Is Needed

A root canal becomes necessary when the inner portion of a tooth, called the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. This may happen because of:

• Deep decay
• Cracked teeth
• Trauma or injury
• Severe infection

Without root canal treatment, these injuries and infections can worsen and potentially lead to swelling, abscesses, or even tooth loss.

What the Procedure Feels Like

Before a root canal, the area around the affected tooth is thoroughly numbed to ensure the patient’s comfort. Once the area is numb, the dentist makes a small hole in the tooth and, using special tools, gently removes the damaged pulp before cleaning and sealing the tooth. Most people report that a root canal feels very similar to receiving a standard dental filling.

Afterward, mild soreness or tenderness may occur temporarily, but this is usually manageable and far less uncomfortable than the original tooth pain that necessitated the root canal.

Comfortable Root Canal Care in Durham, NC

If you are experiencing tooth pain or have questions about root canal therapy in Durham, NC, contact Dr. Kate Dolin, Dr. Adam Spriggs, and the excellent The Smile Shop team to schedule an evaluation.

A damaged or infected tooth does not always cause dramatic pain right away. However, certain symptoms may indicate that the inner portion of the tooth has become inflamed or infected and requires root canal therapy in Durham, NC.

At The Smile Shop, Dr. Kate Dolin, Dr. Adam Spriggs, and our helpful team can identify dental infections early before they become more serious.

Common Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but common signs that a root canal may be necessary include:

• Severe and persistent tooth pain that seems to worsen over time
• Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
• Discomfort when chewing
• Periodontal (gum) swelling
• A darkened or discolored tooth

Why Early Treatment Matters

Ignoring an infected tooth allows bacteria to spread deeper into the tooth and surrounding tissues. Root canal therapy removes infected tissue, disinfects the inside of the tooth, and helps preserve the natural tooth whenever possible. Prompt treatment may help patients avoid:

• Even more severe pain
• Dental abscesses
• Jawbone deterioration
• Tooth loss

Do You Need Root Canal Therapy in Durham, NC?

If you’re experiencing swelling, sensitivity, or intensifying tooth pain and want to determine whether root canal therapy is needed, contact Drs. Kate Dolin and Adam Spriggs, and the Smile Shop team in Durham, to schedule a consultation.