Endodontics Root Canals

Endodontic (Root Canal) Therapy

In past years, if a tooth had a diseased nerve, the patient would have lost that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called root canal therapy, the tooth can often be saved. 

Inside each tooth is a nerve, which provides nutrients and feeling to the tooth. It runs like a thread down through the root of the tooth. When the nerve is diseased or injured, the tissue around the nerve dies. Sometimes the deterioration of the nerve happens so gradually that little pain is felt.  Other times it can be extremely painful.  If the dead tissue is not removed, the tooth may get infected and need to be pulled.

Causes

  • Trauma – such as a physical blow to a tooth or constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw
  • Physical irritation – caused by deep decay or a very large filling
  • Severe gum disease

Treatment

  • At University Dental Associates, root canal therapy can be performed by an endodontics specialist or general dentist. An endodontist typically requires an additional two to three years of training following dental school.
  • The dentist/endodontist will remove the diseased or otherwise damaged root pulp and replace it with inert dental fillers. 
  • The visible portion of the tooth can then be restored with a crown, or occasionally just a small filling. It is very important to have this final filling or crown done shortly after the root canal treatment has been completed.
  • Root canal treatments can generally be accomplished in one or two appointments, and our caring staff is committed to making sure you are as comfortable as possible before, during and after the procedure. A timely root canal can usually save a tooth that can otherwise be lost entirely.

Prevention and Early Detection

The best way to prevent tooth loss is to maintain the good health of your teeth and treat any problems as they arise. Regular dental checkups and immediate treatment of cavities may prevent damage to the tooth pulp. In some cases, a cavity may progress rapidly and can spread to the pulp before the problem is detected. Signs and symptoms of pulp in distress include: prolonged hot or cold sensitivity, spontaneous dull ache or pressure discomfort when chewing.  If you are experiencing this type of distress, it is important to seek out dental care as soon as possible. 

 

Our Dental Offices Near You

University Dental Associates Campus North

807 Spring Forest Rd Suite 600 Raleigh NC 27609 919-954-7177 (p)
919-954-0517 (f)

University Dental Associates Interchange

801 Jones Franklin Road Suite 150 Raleigh NC 27606 919-852-0403 (p)
919-852-0562 (f)

University Dental Associates Weston

9944 Chapel Hill Road Morrisville NC 27560 919-238-7649 (p)
919-238-7654 (f)

University Dental Associates Greensboro

3712 Lawndale Drive Suite D Greensboro NC 27455 336-419-1099 (p)
336-419-1103 (f)

University Dental Associates Kernersville

1030 S Main St Suite B Kernersville NC 27284 336-497-3740 (p)
336-497-3749 (f)

University Dental Associates High Point

2021 Eastchester Drive Suite 101 High Point NC 27265 336-885-6511 (p)
336-885-6577 (f)

University Dental Associates Comp Rehab

131 Miller St Winston-Salem NC 27103 336-837-2680 (p)
336-837-2681 (f)

University Dental Associates Hawthorne

1615 S Hawthorne Rd Winston Salem NC 27103 336-768-3454 (p)
336-768-4986 (f)

University Dental Associates Village Link

2020 Village Link Dr Winston-Salem NC 27106 336-923-4262 (p)
336-923-4281 (f)

University Dental Associates Pediatrics Clemmons/Lewisville

2311 Lewisville Clemmons Rd Suite 301 Clemmons NC 27012 336-631-4770 (p)
336-631-4558 (f)

University Dental Associates Clemmons

6201 Town Center Dr Suite 130 Clemmons NC 27012 336-778-9199 (p)
336-778-9266 (f)

University Dental Associates Benfield

10018 Benfield Road Suite 204 Charlotte NC 28269 704-228-0311 (p)
704-228-0310 (f)

University Dental Associates Mecklenburg Mallard Creek

10320 Mallard Creek Rd Suite 160 Charlotte NC 28262 704-494-7394 (p)
704-494-7399 (f)

University Dental Associates Charlotte University - UDA1

8401 University Executive Park Dr Suite 110 Charlotte NC 28262 704-547-1970 (p)
704-547-1926 (f)

University Dental Associates Charlotte University II - UDA2

8305 University Executive Park Dr Suite 300 Charlotte NC 28262 704-547-1279 (p)
704-549-8390 (f)

University Dental Associates Northlake

9304 Northlake Drive Suite A Charlotte NC 28216 980-221-8430 (p)
980-221-8435 (f)

University Dental Associates Waxhaw

9815 Suzanne Court Waxhaw NC 28173 704-845-1425 (p)
704-845-1580 (f)

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