What Happens During a Root Canal?

If you experience consistent pain or sensitivity in a tooth, you might have a cavity. If left untreated, the decay can spread to the root, at which point the only effective treatment option could be a root canal. Though this procedure often causes patients anxiety, our Wilson dentists have more than 35 years of experience helping patients retain and improve their oral health through a variety of procedures.

A root canal becomes necessary when harmful bacteria grows within the pulp inside of the tooth. In addition to severe discomfort and sensitivity to temperature changes within the mouth, signs that you might need a root canal include discoloration of the infected tooth, inflamed gums, and swelling in the face.

When you visit our Wilson office, our dentists will take the following steps to diagnose your tooth and, if necessary, perform a root canal:

• Take X-rays to assess the extent of the decay
• Administer a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding tissue
• Place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep saliva away
• Drill a small access hole into the enamel, then remove bacteria and dead tissue from the inside of the tooth
• Periodically apply a solution to flush the area clean
• Place a dental filling inside the tooth to restore stability; this step might occur the same day as the appointment or up to a week later depending on whether infection is present

In some cases, the tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure might require additional stability through further restorations. Our dentists commonly recommend dental crowns as a way to help the tooth regain lost strength and function. Using CEREC technology, we can create custom crowns and other restorations in a single office visit.

If you have questions or concerns about the root canal procedure, please contact Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles or call 252-291-2892 today. Our dentists welcome patients in or around Wilson, North Carolina.