Root Canal
Are you suffering from sharp dental pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or swelling? If so, you may have an infected tooth.
Our Belmont dentists serving the greater Charlotte area offer gentle root canal treatment to eliminate infection and restore your oral health.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that restores a severely damaged or infected tooth.
Plaque and tartar are bacteria-rich substances that eat away at tooth enamel. The decay can lead to a cavity and eventually reach the inside of a tooth. When the innermost layer of blood vessels, known as the pulp, becomes infected, it must be removed to save the tooth.
During a root canal, your dentist carefully extracts the pulp and reseals the tooth to prevent further damage.
A Closer Look at Root Canal Treatment
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal? Warning Signs of an Infected Tooth
While it is impossible to know for sure if you need root canal treatment without first seeing the dentist, there are several common symptoms of infection. You may notice:
Persistent tooth pain even when you are not eating
Redness or swelling of the gums
Sensitivity when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures
Your tooth has suffered decay and turned a dark or shadowy color
A deep crack or fracture in the enamel
Tooth abscess
Of course, it is possible to have a dental infection and not show symptoms at all. This is why we recommend visiting us at least twice a year for a checkup. Early detection is the best way to get the treatment you need before you develop a more serious dental problem.
Do These Symptoms Look Familiar? Schedule a Root Canal Consultation
If you live in or near Charlotte and notice any of these symptoms, you don't need to look up an endodontist; reach out to our team to schedule a root canal at our Belmont, NC, dental office. Your dentist will take the time to go over any questions and concerns you may have regarding this procedure, so you can feel confident about treatment and get back to your day-to-day free of dental pain.
For more information, give our practice a call or send us a message online today.
(704) 825-5111
Why Choose South Point Family Dentistry? "By far the best experience I've had at the dentist"
Teage Ernst
Belmont, NC
2024
I saw Dr. Price and would highly recommend him if you are looking for a dentist…The office was very clean, everyone was friendly and Dr. Price was able to answer all of my questions. By far the best experience I've had at the dentist, I will be back.
View on GoogleAshley Johnson
Belmont, NC
2024
Recommend here by a friend and wow these people are amazing for the answering service, front desk , clinical staff to the Dentist ! Everyone was very kind and very professional . :)
View on GoogleDoes Insurance Cover Root Canals?
Yes. Since root canal therapy is so important for maintaining good dental health and keeping infection at bay, most insurance plans offer at least some coverage for treatment. We happily accept most major insurances. If you are uninsured or incur some out-of-pocket expenses for a dental crown, we also accept financing through CareCredit®. This third-party lender lets you split up the cost of dental care into manageable monthly payments. We’ll consult you on insurance coverage and payment options to make getting the dentistry you need as accessible as possible.
What to Expect During a Root Canal at Our Belmont, NC, Practice
Root canal treatment usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour at our office and involves the following steps:
Long-Term Protection
With Our Custom Restorations
In most cases, we will recommend placing a dental crown over a root canal-treated tooth for maximum strength. Unlike a filling, a crown caps all of the external tooth structure, providing the entire tooth with an additional layer of protection.
Our Belmont, NC, dentists work with a trusted dental lab to custom-make crowns and other restorations. The lab technicians hand-craft your crown from premium materials like porcelain and zirconia, which are virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel.
Your dentist will discuss your restorative options and help you design the best crown for your long-term health.
Have Questions About Root Canals or Dental Crowns? Give Us a Call to Learn More
We want you to feel confident in their customized treatment plan, which means we value educating our patients on what they can expect regarding cost, specific steps of the procedure, how crowns can help you maintain your oral health, and more. If you’re looking to learn more about getting a root canal with our Belmont, NC, team or are ready to request a consultation, call our office at (704) 825-5111 or fill out our online form today. We serve patients from Greater Charlotte and beyond.
More High Praise For Our Belmont, NC, Practice
Autumn Moheyer
Belmont, NC
2024
I could not brag more about Southpoint Family Dentistry! Finding a dental office that would care for myself, my husband & my two little kids without forcing us to do things we are not comfortable doing or pushing dental work that isn’t actually needed has been a significant challenge for us…. UNTIL NOW. Southport Family Dentistry is truly the best dental office and exactly what I have been searching for!
View on GoogleMegan Price
Belmont, NC
2024
By far the best dental practice I have been to. It is a calm and welcoming atmosphere. My 4 year old daughter hasn't stopped talking about it and has already asked to go back haha. She said the hygienist and dentist were both "gentle and fun." We were able to get appointments quickly and I would highly recommend this practice!
View on GoogleAfter Your Root Canal Procedure
It is normal to experience some sensitivity for a day or two following your root canal treatment. We recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to help mitigate any discomfort.
Be careful about what you eat while wearing your temporary crown or filling. Temporary restorations are not as durable as a custom-made crown will be. In about two weeks, your permanent crown will be ready and you can return to our office to complete your treatment.
If you have any questions at any point in your recovery do not hesitate to contact our Belmont practice. A member of our friendly team will be happy to provide assistance.
Ensuring Gentle Treatment
Despite common misconceptions, root canals are no more scary than filling a cavity.
Before root canal treatment, your dentist will numb your teeth and gums with a local anesthetic. Most patients feel nothing other than slight pressure during the procedure and remain comfortable the entire time.
We understand that some people experience higher levels of anxiety in the dentist's chair than others, and can offer sedation to ensure your comfort. You can ask about sedation dentistry during your consultation, or contact us for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
We understand you may have some questions about this procedure. Our team is here to address some of the most common ones patients ask us:
Do I need to visit an endodontist at any point for a root canal?
While an endodontist has special training to treat problems affecting the inside of your tooth, you don't need to see an endodontist for this procedure. Our team has the skills and resources required for safe, effective root canal therapy right here at our Belmont office.
What if it’s too late for a root canal?
If tooth decay caused by bacteria becomes too severe, tooth extraction would be the only alternative. This would leave you with a gap in your smile and be costlier to treat, which is why you should visit your dentist regularly or schedule an appointment as soon as you notice symptoms.
Why is saving natural teeth preferred over extraction?
Some patients believe extracting an infected tooth is better than undergoing a root canal. However, that’s a misconception; extracting a traumatized tooth can weaken your jawbone, result in other teeth shifting, and cause other oral health problems.
How can I prevent the need for a root canal?
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste with fluoride in it, flossing daily, and limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks is a good start. For additional information on how you can keep your teeth and gums healthy, get in touch with us today.
"Amazing work" Read Patient Reviews for South Point Family Dentistry
ROCKY Parker
Belmont, NC
2024
When I tell you I wouldn't go to any other dentist...I just wouldn't. The staff there is amazing and I just love the way of "brightening your smile". Amazing work by the dentist and they really address your issues with profession and empathy. My dentist is better than yours!!
View on GoogleJhenae Vinyard
Belmont, NC
2024
Was in severe pain, called the office around 6:30am before they even opened and was greeted with a friendly voice, happy to get me in a rushed appointment at 7:30!…not once did anyone try to pressure me or harass me with selling. they just wanted me to feel comfortable. i’m on the journey to getting my oral hygiene to where it needs to be and i’m glad i chose this practice to help me with that.
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