Dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity? A root canal might be the solution you need to restore your oral health and save your natural tooth. At Port City Dentistry in Wilmington, NC, we specialize in comfortable and effective root canal therapy to eliminate infection, relieve discomfort, and prevent further complications.
What Is Root Canal Therapy and When Do You Need It?
A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure designed to remove infection from inside a tooth. The treatment involves carefully cleaning the affected area, disinfecting the inner canals, and sealing them to prevent future infection.
You may need a root canal if you experience:
- Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Swelling or tenderness around the affected tooth.
- A darkened or discolored tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums (indicating an abscess).
Without treatment, the infection can spread, leading to more severe dental issues and the potential need for extraction.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Work?
Understanding the root canal procedure can help ease concerns and clarify what to expect:
- Diagnosis & Consultation – Our experienced team at Port City Dentistry will perform a comprehensive exam, including X-rays, to determine if a root canal is the best option for you.
- Anesthesia & Comfort – We use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring a pain-free experience. For patients with dental anxiety, sedation options like nitrous oxide are available.
- Cleaning & Sealing – The infected pulp is removed, and the canal is thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and sealed with a biocompatible material to prevent future infections.
- Restoration – After the procedure, a dental crown or filling may be placed to restore the tooth’s strength and function.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy at Port City Dentistry
Choosing a trusted dental team for your root canal treatment ensures a smooth, stress-free experience. Here’s why Wilmington residents trust us:
- Expert Care from Dr. Jillian Wolske – With decades of experience in comprehensive and sedation dentistry, Dr. Wolske ensures precise, gentle treatment.
- Advanced Technology – We utilize state-of-the-art digital imaging and rotary instruments for enhanced precision and efficiency.
- Sedation Options – For anxious patients, we offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
- Same-Day Emergency Appointments – Severe tooth pain can’t wait. We offer urgent dental care to provide relief fast.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?
Patients often wonder whether to save their tooth with a root canal or opt for extraction. While both options may relieve pain, saving your natural tooth has several advantages:
- Preserves Your Natural Smile – Keeping your tooth prevents alignment shifts and maintains jawbone health.
- Less Painful & Faster Recovery – A root canal is far less painful than an extraction and allows for a quicker, more comfortable recovery.
- More Cost-Effective Long-Term – While an extraction may seem like the simpler solution, replacing a missing tooth with a bridge or implant can be more expensive.
Our team at Port City Dentistry always prioritizes tooth preservation whenever possible.
How to Prevent the Need for a Root Canal
While root canals effectively treat tooth infections, prevention is always the best approach. Keep your teeth healthy by:
- Brushing and flossing daily to remove bacteria and plaque buildup.
- Visiting Port City Dentistry every six months for regular checkups and professional cleanings.
- Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play contact sports.
- Addressing cavities early to prevent deeper infections that require root canal treatment.
Schedule Your Root Canal Therapy in Wilmington, NC
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t wait! The sooner an infection is treated, the better the outcome. Port City Dentistry provides expert dental services to help you regain a pain-free smile.
📍 Location: 4700 New Centre Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405
📞 Call Now: 910-613-5635
📅 Book Your Appointment Online Today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Root Canal Treatment in Wilmington, NC
What causes an infected tooth, and how can a root canal help?
An infected tooth is usually the result of bacteria reaching the pulp through a deep cavity, cracked enamel, or injury. This pulp contains soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves, which become inflamed or die when infected. A root canal removes the diseased tooth pulp, cleans out any remaining bacteria, and seals the area with a temporary filling. This prevents further infection and allows for the placement of a permanent crown to protect the tooth.
Why is it important to treat a diseased tooth promptly?
Leaving a diseased tooth untreated can cause the infection to spread to other teeth, soft tissue, or even the jawbone. This can result in abscesses, bone loss, and systemic health issues. Treating it with a root canal removes the infected pulp and blood vessels, eliminating pain and preventing further infection. Delaying treatment may lead to needing the tooth extracted, which can cause alignment issues and require more extensive restoration later.
What happens after a root canal procedure?
After a root canal, your dentist will place a temporary filling to protect the area while it heals. You may experience mild soreness, but most patients return to normal activities within a day. At a follow-up visit, your dentist will place a permanent crown to restore strength and prevent damage to the treated tooth. This step is essential for sealing out remaining bacteria and protecting surrounding soft tissue and other teeth.
Is it better to get a tooth extracted instead of a root canal?
In many cases, preserving your natural tooth through a root canal is preferable to having the tooth extracted. A root canal saves the tooth by removing infected soft tissue and blood vessels while keeping your bite intact. Extraction often leads to additional procedures to replace the missing tooth, which can be more expensive and affect neighboring teeth. Keeping your natural tooth helps prevent shifting, bone loss, and further infection.
Can an infection come back after a root canal?
While root canals are highly successful, there’s a small risk that remaining bacteria can cause reinfection if the canal isn’t properly sealed. That’s why placing a temporary filling right after the procedure is important, followed by a permanent crown for long-term protection. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits help ensure that the treated tooth stays free of infection and doesn’t affect other teeth or soft tissue nearby.