Root Canal Therapy in Durham, NC
Each tooth contains blood vessels and nerve tissue on the inside, which is referred to as the pulp of the tooth. If this pulpal tissue becomes irreversibly damaged, then endodontic treatment or a root canal may be recommended to remove the affected tissue. By removing the damaged pulp tissue and replacing it with a filling material, we can prolong the life of the tooth.
Endodontic treatment could be recommended for multiple reasons.
- Severe tooth decay
- Dental infection
- Trauma that damages the nerve of the tooth
What to Expect from Root Canal Treatment in the 27703 Area
Root canal therapy is usually scheduled for a longer, two-hour appointment and is typically completed in one visit. The longer appointments are needed to allow time to properly remove all affected tissue, cleanse the tooth of any infection, and allow medications to be appropriately absorbed. The root is then filled with a special filling material that seals it off and prevents any re-infection.
Following the completion of the root canal, the tooth will need to be restored. Two of the most common restorative options are a simple composite resin restoration or a full-coverage crown.
While a simple restoration is sometimes sufficient to restore a root canaled tooth, we often recommend a full-coverage crown.. When compared to a composite resin restoration, a crown provides greater strength that results in greater longevity and durability. Ultimately, a crown will typically increase the overall lifespan of the tooth.
Why Save a Tooth with Root Canal Therapy?
Every treatment plan our doctors make here at The Smile Shop will be comprehensive and inclusive. This means we want to educate you on every choice you have available to treat your smile and each tooth. When we recommend a root canal, it is because Dr. Spriggs, Dr. Dolin, and Dr. Toussaint believe the tooth has a favorable prognosis and can be saved. Alternatives to endodontic treatment include extraction and replacing with an implant, a bridge or a partial denture.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal in Durham, NC
Sometimes there are no obvious symptoms that a root canal is needed. The pulp of the tooth can become irreversibly damaged with no symptoms at all! This is one reason why it’s so important to have routine checkups and x-rays.
A few signs that could indicate you need a root canal are pain, a "pimple" on the gums, or a foul taste or odor. It’s often difficult to analyze a tooth with just these symptoms alone. At The Smile Shop, we use thorough examination techniques to accurately diagnose the tooth to ensure endodontic therapy is the recommended treatment.
Please Call to Arrange an Appointment
If you’ve noticed any of the above symptoms and believe you may need a root canal, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
The goal of root canal therapy is to restore and save a tooth that has become infected or has significant decay.
Within the innermost layer of a tooth lies a network of blood vessels and nerve tissue known as the tooth's pulp. If tooth decay or injury exposes this living tissue, it becomes vulnerable to infection.
During the treatment, the damaged tissue inside the affected tooth is removed. Once the area is cleaned and disinfected, the tooth will then need to be restored. Two of the most common restorative options are a simple composite resin restoration or a full-coverage crown.
Although root canals have a reputation for being painful, they can be quite simple and typically completed in one visit. Thanks to advances in dental technology, root canals are now quicker and more comfortable than ever before.
Every treatment plan our dentists make will be thorough. We want you to understand every treatment option available for each and every tooth. When we recommend a root canal, it is because our dentists believe that the tooth has a good chance of being saved—and can be saved. So, if you're in the Durham, NC, area and facing a root canal, there's no need to worry. The Smile Shop will ensure you're comfortable throughout the process.
Meet Our Doctors:
Drs. Kate Dolin and Adam Spriggs
We are Drs. Kate Dolin and Adam Spriggs, a husband and wife dental team.
Natives of small towns in West Virginia, we met while attending the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Prior to dental school, we both practiced as dental hygienists; collectively, we have over 20 years experience in the dental field.
Our mission is to provide personalized comprehensive care in a calm and soothing atmosphere. Dental treatment can be complex and often specific to each individual. We believe patient education is a vital aspect of each visit so informed decisions ...
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