Saving Infected Teeth with Painless Root Canal Treatment

Nothing compares to your natural tooth’s look, function, and feel. That’s why you should brush and floss your teeth daily alongside bi-annual dental cleanings. However, dental infections can occur despite your good oral hygiene, requiring extra attention. 

Wilmington Smiles provides root canal therapy (RCT) as a solution to rescue infected teeth from extraction. While our practice does offer dental extractions, we advocate for them only as a last resort. In cases of decay or damage to a tooth, Dr. Gregory Garrett recommends endodontic treatment to preserve your natural tooth.

Warning signs you need a root canal

Root canal symptoms don’t start until the condition has advanced, so it’s important to see a dentist regularly. While only a dentist can determine the need for a root canal, certain signs can prompt you to see a dentist.

These include:

  • A persistent toothache
  • Tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming cold or hot drinks
  • Tooth discoloration (an infected tooth darkens over time)
  • A recurrent pimple-like swelling on the gums
  • Swollen gums and cheeks
  • Bad breath despite good oral hygiene

When you spot any of the signs above, immediately schedule an appointment with the dentist. The earlier your tooth is treated, the more successful your root canal treatment will be. When you postpone treating a tooth infection, soon the infection spreads deeper into the tooth and the surrounding tissues, leaving dental extraction as the only solution.

What to expect from root canal procedure

A dental infection is an infection of the innermost part of the tooth, the pulp. Due to a cracked tooth, faulty dental work, or cavities, harmful bacteria may penetrate the enamel and enter the pulp chamber, causing inflammation. Root canal treatment removes the diseased pulp tissues to make your tooth healthy again.

Before the procedure, the dentist numbs your tooth to minimize discomfort during treatment. Should you need added comfort, you can consider sedation dentistry. Once you are comfortable, the dentist makes a small opening at the topmost part of the tooth. Using this access hole, Dr. Garrett removes the infected pulp tissue before cleaning and sanitizing the inside of the tooth to remove all traces of bacteria. 

Next, the dentist fills the empty chamber and canals with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Finally, we restore your tooth with a dental filling, but if it’s severely weakened, our dentist will restore it with a crown. After a root canal, your tooth will function and look healthy for many years. 

Root canal treatment near me

Suspect an infected tooth in Wilmington, NC? Please dial (910) 208-6721 to schedule an appointment with Wilmington Smiles for root canal services.

Root Canal Therapy FAQs

Can a root canal save a tooth that has cracked down the middle?

In some cases, yes. If the crack does not extend below the gumline or into the root, root canal therapy may save the tooth by removing the infected or damaged pulp and sealing it. However, extraction may be necessary if the crack is too severe or extends into the root. Your dentist will take X-rays and evaluate the crack’s depth and position before determining if the tooth can be salvaged. In borderline cases, root canal treatment followed by a crown can still provide stability and function.

What are the signs that a previous root canal may be failing?

Symptoms of a failing root canal can include recurring pain or sensitivity, swelling in the gums, discoloration of the tooth, or forming a pimple-like bump near the treated area. Sometimes, a previously treated tooth may harbor lingering bacteria or develop new infections due to cracks, untreated canals, or inadequate sealing. If you experience any of these symptoms, your dentist may recommend retreatment, apical surgery, or extraction, depending on the extent of the issue.

Is root canal therapy different for front teeth versus molars?

Yes, the anatomy of the tooth makes a difference. Front teeth typically have one root and one canal, making the procedure more straightforward and shorter. Molars have multiple roots and canals, often curved or difficult to access, requiring more time and technical skill. Advanced imaging and rotary instruments help improve precision. Dr. Garrett tailors each treatment based on the tooth’s location and complexity, ensuring thorough cleaning with lasting results.

How long can a tooth last after root canal treatment?

With proper care, a tooth treated with a root canal can last many years or even a lifetime. Success largely depends on restoration quality, oral hygiene, and avoiding trauma. Placing a crown after the procedure protects the weakened tooth structure from fracture. Routine dental visits help monitor the treated tooth over time. It’s important to treat root-canaled teeth as you would your natural teeth to prevent decay and damage.

Are there any long-term risks associated with root canal therapy?

The most common risk is reinfection if the canals are not fully sealed or if bacteria re-enter due to a broken crown or filling. Rarely, the treated tooth may become brittle or develop small cracks, which can be mitigated with a crown. In rare cases, persistent inflammation in surrounding bone tissue may require further intervention. Dr. Garrett uses modern techniques and biocompatible materials to minimize these risks and promote long-term tooth survival.

Can I drive myself home after the procedure?

In most cases, yes. Root canal therapy is performed using local anesthesia, which does not impair your ability to drive. However, if you receive sedation or have anxiety that may affect your alertness, it is best to arrange for someone to drive you. After the procedure, you might experience numbness or mild soreness, but it usually does not interfere with regular activities. Your dentist will give you personalized post-care instructions based on your treatment.

What foods should I avoid after a root canal?

Immediately after treatment, avoid chewing on the treated side until numbness wears off. For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup to avoid stressing the tooth. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could dislodge a temporary filling or irritate the area. Once the permanent crown is placed and healing is complete, you can resume your regular diet. Good nutrition supports faster healing and reduces inflammation.