When someone says the words “root canal,” most people don’t exactly lean in with curiosity. They lean back. Maybe even cross their legs. We get it. For decades, root canals have carried a reputation that makes them sound far worse than they actually are. And if you’ve never had one, that reputation is probably the only thing you know about the procedure.
So let’s clear a few things up. At Stonehenge Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we perform root canals right here in our Raleigh office. Not because we enjoy seeing people nervous, but because we genuinely believe that saving a natural tooth is almost always the best option for your long-term health. And when we do it, our focus is on making sure you’re comfortable, informed, and treated like family the whole way through.
First: What Actually Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a way to save a tooth that has become infected or inflamed deep inside, in the pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels live. That kind of infection doesn’t go away on its own. If left untreated, it can lead to pain, abscess, and eventually losing the tooth.
The procedure itself is pretty straightforward:
- We numb the area completely so you don’t feel the work being done
- We gently remove the infected tissue
- We clean and seal the inside of the tooth
- We place a crown afterward to protect it
You could walk out with your natural tooth still in place, pain-free, and ready to function like normal again.
What It Actually Feels Like
Here’s the part most people are surprised by: the procedure itself usually feels no different than getting a routine filling.
The discomfort you might associate with root canals typically comes before treatment: the throbbing tooth, the sensitivity to hot or cold, the ache that keeps you up at night. That’s the infection talking. The procedure is what helps stop that pain.
Our team takes extra care to make sure you’re comfortable, whether that means walking you through each step, making sure the numbing is fully effective, or offering sedation options if dental anxiety is part of your story. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it.
Why We Do Them In-House
Not every general dental office performs root canals on-site. But we choose to. Why?
Because we believe in continuity of care. When you’re already familiar with our team and our space, having the treatment done here means one less referral to an unfamiliar office. You stay with people who know your history, your concerns, and your smile. That matters to us, and usually, it matters to patients, too.
Dr. Giggey, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Elderkin have all pursued continued education to provide this treatment with skill and precision. We use digital X-rays to see exactly what’s going on beneath the surface, and we take the time to make sure you understand your options before we do anything.
What Happens After
Once the tooth is cleaned and sealed, we’ll typically place a crown to protect it. That tooth then functions just like your others; you chew with it, brush it, floss it. With good home care and regular checkups, it can last a lifetime.
So if you’ve been putting off a tooth that’s been bothering you because you’re worried about the R word, let’s talk. We’ll take a look, give you the facts, and help you make a decision that’s right for your health, not based on old stories. You might find the relief is worth a lot more than the worry.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you may need a root canal, we’re here to help. Call our Raleigh office at 919-295-0936 or schedule an appointment online.