What to Expect From a Root Canal

When people hear the words “root canal”, they often are struck with fear. Root canals have a bad reputation that they haven’t earned. They’re not a procedure you need to fear. The team at Tryon Family Dentistry, a dentist in Zebulon, Cary, and Raleigh, NC, describes the root canal process and why it’s nothing to be afraid of.root canal nc

What is a Root Canal?

Technically, the root canal is a part of your tooth. It’s the hollow portion inside your tooth that holds the dental pulp and nerves. However, when people talk about a root canal, they normally mean a root canal procedure. This is done when an infection gets into that dental pulp and needs to be removed.

How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?

Some patients don’t even realize that they have an infection until their dentist finds it during a routine cleaning and checkup. They have no symptoms and it’s unknown until it’s found by an experienced eye. Otherwise, the most common symptom is pain. It’s usually sharp and sudden in your tooth, made worse by biting or chewing.

Tooth sensitivity is also common when you’re consuming hot or cold food and beverages. The gums around the particular tooth are often inflamed and swollen. You may also notice that the infected tooth itself is discolored. This is due to the infection inside the tooth often making it darker.

The Root Canal Process

When your dentist diagnoses you with an infection, your dentist will schedule a separate appointment for your root canal procedure. To start, we use a local anesthetic to numb the entire surrounding area near your tooth. Once we’re sure you’re comfortable, we can begin the actual procedure.

First, a small hole is drilled into the back of your tooth. This provides access to the inside of your tooth. Using special instruments, the dentist will scrape out the infected material inside your tooth. Once we’re sure the infected material is removed, the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned. It’s filled with a biocompatible material that replaces the infected pulp.

Usually, a dental crown is used to complete the process. It helps to seal the tooth to prevent further infection and provide stabilization to the tooth. We want to make sure that the full functionality of your tooth is restored after a root canal.

The pain that many people reference when it comes to a root canal is actually the pain of the infection itself. An infection in the dental pulp causes pain and pressure on your tooth. Many patients say that a root canal doesn’t feel like anything more than a dental filling. Your pain may also be relieved immensely once the infected material is removed from the tooth.

Root Canals at Your Zebulon, Cary, and Raleigh North Carolina Dentist

Do you think that you may have an infected tooth that needs taken care of? Call us or schedule an appointment online.

★★★★★
“My dental assistant is Gloria, who is always super friendly, masterfully efficient and skilled, and amazing at answering all of my questions and anticipating anything out of the ordinary that Dr. Leo may need for his evaluation. Dr. Leo is my fabulous dentist who is also very friendly, skilled and efficient, takes whatever time is needed for my evaluation and questions, and provides honest assessment. He runs a high caliber business that has been consistently pleasant, remains way ahead of the technology, and the entire office is always extremely clean and bright. Highest regards and recommendations!”
- Jill Beavin
★★★★★
“I moved to Raleigh about one year ago due to work and decided to google a dental office near my apartment. I came upon Tryon Family Dentistry and because of the great reviews I decided to give it a shot. I’m so glad I went to this place because I LOVE it. Dr. Leo is great and is also very nice. Gloria usually does my teeth cleaning in which she is wonderful. She is nice, sweet and is always gentle. If you’re looking for a new dental office, give this place a chance and you will also come to love it!”
- Ger Vue
★★★★★
“Amazing office. The dentists here do great work. Replaced four of my front teeth with veneers and worked with me (for free) when the treatment plan didn’t go exactly as expected due to my chronic bruxism. They always explain what they’re doing, and why. I thoroughly trust this team with my dental care.”
- Jeff Wilson
★★★★★
“Thanks to our awesome patient Cheryl for taking the time to talk about us and our services. We are so glad to have you as a patient!”
- Cheryl
★★★★★
“First time there and I love it! Great place and friendly staff!”
- Tameka Brown
★★★★★
“I just moved to the area and needed to find a new dentist. After looking through tons of reviews, I settled on this dentist, and after my visit decided that this place will be my new go-to! The doctor was fantastic. Was so thorough, took the time to explain to me what was going on with my teeth, always checking to make sure that I was doing okay, and was so friendly and caring. I would recommend them to anyone. I’ll be back.”
- Ashley K.
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Raleigh, NC Location
3421 Olympia Drive
Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27603
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Cary, NC Location
270 Cornerstone Drive
Suite 106
Cary, NC 27519
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Zebulon, NC Location
208 N Arendell Ave
Zebulon, NC 27597
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