Do you have sensitive teeth? Do you regularly experience tooth pain or toothaches? You may have a dental infection. Dental infections occur when harmful bacteria enter a tooth. A dental injury or poor oral health can create holes called cavities. As harmful bacteria enter a tooth, they can affect the dental pulp within.
The dental pulp consists of the cells, nerves, and blood vessels that keep teeth alive. Removing infected pulp can save teeth. At Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer comprehensive root canal treatment in Raleigh, NC. This general dentistry treatment can prevent lost teeth and preserve the natural tooth.
Common Signs of Dental Infection
There are many common symptoms of an infected tooth:
- Cavities
- Tooth and gum pain
- Sensitivity to temperature
- Swollen cheeks or jaw
Contact us if you notice any of these symptoms. Over time, tooth pain or sensitivity can lead to cavities and tooth abscesses. Ultimately, patients with severe tooth decay can lose permanent teeth. Call our dental office as soon as possible to avoid tooth loss and keep your smile healthy. Our dentist office will do all we can to save your tooth and avoid a tooth extraction.
Root Canal Treatment in Raleigh, NC
Before treatment, we take dental x-rays to see which teeth are affected. We will also note any cavities or pits in the enamel.
To begin the root canal procedure, we numb the treated tooth with a local anesthetic. Patients will not feel any pain during their procedure. Then, we will make a small hole in the tooth to access the tooth chamber. We remove the infected dental pulp, shape the tooth chamber, and disinfect the tooth. Finally, we seal the tooth with a dental filling. White dental fillings are made of compatible material that keeps the tooth sealed to prevent reinfection.
We may also recommend a dental crown to strengthen the affected tooth for patients with weakened or damaged teeth. Dental crowns fully cover teeth to provide durability and balance the bite.
Root Canal Post-Op Care
Following your root canal, you may feel sensitivity and discomfort in your treated tooth. We will recommend ibuprofen or other pain medications. Use a daily warm saltwater rinse to minimize swelling. Avoid eating hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods as this can irritate your tooth. If possible, chew on the opposite side of the treated tooth. Do not use tobacco products before and after treatment as this can inhibit the healing process. We will provide post-op instructions, but we welcome you to contact our office if you have any questions.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
Call Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for root canal treatment today at 919.295.0936. You can also feel free to request a dental appointment with us on our website.