At Idlewild Family Dentistry, we specialize in endodontics to provide the highest level of care for your teeth. Endodontic treatments, commonly referred to as root canal therapy, are designed to treat issues that affect the inside of the tooth, including infections or damaged pulp. Dr. Mitesh Dhulab and our experienced team in Indian Trail, NC offer expert, compassionate care to relieve pain, restore your oral health, and save your natural teeth whenever possible.

What Is Endodontics?

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on the soft tissues inside your teeth, known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that keep the tooth alive. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to decay, trauma, or other factors, endodontic treatment is required to prevent further damage and save the tooth.

Benefits of Endodontic Treatment:

  • Pain Relief: Endodontic procedures can relieve the intense pain caused by infected or damaged pulp.
  • Tooth Preservation: Rather than extracting a tooth, root canal therapy preserves the natural tooth structure, maintaining your smile and oral function.
  • Preventing Further Infection: By removing the infection inside the tooth, endodontic treatment helps prevent the spread of infection to other teeth and gums.

When Is Endodontic Treatment Necessary?

You may need endodontic treatment if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

  • Severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or biting.
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers even after the source is removed.
  • Swollen or tender gums.
  • Discoloration of the tooth.
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums.

If left untreated, these symptoms could indicate an infected tooth that requires root canal therapy to avoid further damage or tooth loss. If you are experiencing any of these signs, contact Idlewild Family Dentistry for an evaluation.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is the most common endodontic treatment. Despite its reputation, modern root canal therapy is a straightforward, comfortable procedure that can often be completed in one or two visits. Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Anesthetic: To ensure your comfort, we begin by numbing the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia.
  2. Pulp Removal: Dr. Dhulab will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth.
  3. Cleaning and Shaping: After the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling.
  4. Filling and Sealing: The cleaned space is then filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent future infection.
  5. Restoration: Depending on the condition of the tooth, we may recommend placing a dental crown to restore its strength and appearance.

After root canal therapy, your tooth will function just like your natural teeth, allowing you to chew, smile, and speak normally. To learn more about the root canal process, visit our Root Canals page.

Endodontic Retreatments

In some cases, a tooth that has already undergone root canal therapy may become re-infected or damaged. If this happens, we offer endodontic retreatment to save the tooth. Endodontic retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the old filling material, and cleaning out the infection before resealing the tooth.

Retreatments are less common, but our team is equipped to handle even the most complex cases, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Why Choose Idlewild Family Dentistry for Endodontics?

At Idlewild Family Dentistry, we are committed to providing expert endodontic care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Here’s why patients throughout Indian Trail and nearby areas trust us for their endodontic treatments:

  • Experienced Care: Dr. Dhulab and our team have extensive experience in endodontics, ensuring precise diagnosis and effective treatment.
  • Comfortable Treatments: We use the latest technology and sedation options like nitrous oxide to ensure your comfort throughout your procedure.
  • Preserving Your Smile: We focus on saving your natural teeth whenever possible, providing restorative dentistry solutions that maintain your smile and oral function.
  • Comprehensive Care: From routine cleanings to cosmetic dentistry, we offer a full range of dental services to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Endodontics Near You: Areas We Serve

We are proud to provide expert endodontic care and root canal therapy to patients throughout Indian Trail, Matthews, Mint Hill, Weddington, Monroe, and surrounding areas. Whether you need root canal therapy or more complex endodontic procedures, our compassionate team is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontics

Is root canal therapy painful?

Thanks to modern anesthesia and advanced techniques, root canal therapy is no more painful than getting a standard dental filling. You may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits, depending on the complexity of the case. Each visit typically lasts about 90 minutes.

Can a tooth that has had a root canal get re-infected?

While root canal therapy has a high success rate, a tooth can become re-infected. In these cases, endodontic retreatment can help save the tooth.

What happens if I don’t get a root canal?

If an infected tooth is left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body, leading to more severe health complications. The tooth may also need to be extracted if the infection worsens.

Schedule Your Endodontic Consultation Today

If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t wait to seek treatment. Idlewild Family Dentistry offers expert endodontic care to save your teeth and restore your smile. Contact us or call (704) 893-0351 today to schedule your consultation for root canal therapy or other endodontic treatments.