A deep tooth infection can cause intense pain, lingering sensitivity, swelling, or pressure when you bite. Root canal therapy removes infected tissue from inside the tooth, helping relieve discomfort while preserving the natural tooth whenever possible.
If you are experiencing symptoms of an infected tooth, Dr. Meghan Stenvall can evaluate the source of the problem and explain whether root canal treatment is appropriate. Call 704-542-6533 to schedule a consultation at Queen City Dental Arts.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic treatment used when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed, infected, or damaged. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help the tooth develop.
Once a mature tooth is infected, the damaged pulp can be removed without preventing the tooth from functioning. Our dentist cleans and seals the inner portion of the tooth, then restores the outer structure to help protect it from further damage.
Why Might a Tooth Need a Root Canal?
Bacteria can reach the pulp when decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental work compromise the protective layers of a tooth.
Root canal therapy may be recommended for:
- Deep tooth decay
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- An infection or abscess near the root
- Damage caused by a dental injury
- Inflammation following repeated treatment on the same tooth
- A damaged restoration that allows bacteria to enter the tooth
Without treatment, infection may spread beyond the tooth and damage the surrounding bone or tissues.
Signs of an Infected Tooth
Some infected teeth cause obvious pain, while others produce milder symptoms or no discomfort at all. Contact our office if you notice:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling near a tooth or along the gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gum
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- A chipped, cracked, or heavily decayed tooth
A dental examination and digital X-rays can help Dr. Stenvall determine whether the pulp is infected and whether the tooth can be saved.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
After the tooth is numbed, Dr. Stenvall creates a small opening to reach the pulp chamber and root canals. The infected or damaged tissue is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and shaped.
The canals are then filled and sealed to reduce the risk of bacteria returning. A temporary or permanent restoration may be placed, depending on your treatment plan.
Many root canal procedures are completed in one or two appointments, although the timeline may vary based on the tooth and the extent of infection.
Restoring the Tooth After a Root Canal
A tooth that needs root canal therapy has often lost strength because of decay, fracture, or the removal of damaged tissue. A restoration helps seal and protect the tooth after treatment.
In many cases, a dental crown is recommended to restore the tooth’s shape, strength, and chewing function. A dental filling may be appropriate in certain situations.
Dr. Stenvall will discuss which restoration offers the right level of protection for the treated tooth during your appointment.
Can Root Canal Therapy Save a Tooth?
The purpose of root canal treatment is to preserve a tooth that might otherwise require removal. Keeping the natural tooth can help maintain your bite, support normal chewing, and prevent nearby teeth from shifting.
Not every infected tooth can be saved. If a tooth is severely fractured or lacks enough healthy structure for restoration, a tooth extraction may be necessary. Our dentist will review the condition of the tooth and discuss the available options before treatment.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Root canal therapy is intended to address the infection responsible for tooth pain. Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, and modern techniques help make the procedure more manageable than its reputation suggests.
You may notice temporary tenderness after treatment, especially if the surrounding tissues were inflamed. Our team will provide instructions for managing discomfort and protecting the tooth while it heals.
Root Canal Care With Dr. Stenvall
Dr. Stenvall earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and completed a general practice residency at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Her hospital-based training included caring for patients with a wide range of urgent and complex dental needs. She also takes time to explain each step of treatment, helping patients approach root canal therapy with a clearer understanding of what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
How do I know if I need root canal therapy?
Symptoms such as persistent pain, lingering sensitivity, swelling, or pain while biting may indicate an infected tooth. An examination and dental imaging are needed to confirm the cause.
How long does a root canal take?
Many root canals are completed in one or two visits. The exact length and number of appointments depend on the tooth, its root structure, and the extent of infection.
Will I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Many treated teeth benefit from a crown because they have lost strength from decay or damage. Dr. Stenvall will recommend the appropriate restoration based on the location and condition of the tooth.
What happens if I delay root canal treatment?
An untreated infection may worsen, spread into surrounding tissues, and eventually make the tooth impossible to save. Prompt evaluation can help reduce these risks.
Is extracting the tooth easier than getting a root canal?
Extraction removes the source of infection but also leaves a missing tooth that may need replacement. Root canal therapy preserves the natural tooth when it can be restored successfully.
Relieve Tooth Pain and Protect Your Smile
An infected tooth rarely improves without professional care. Root canal therapy can remove the infection, relieve pressure, and help you keep a tooth that might otherwise be lost.
Call 704-542-6533 or contact our office to schedule an evaluation for root canal therapy in Charlotte, NC.