Restore Your Smile with Root Canal Therapy and Endodontic Care

At Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry, we have skilled, experienced endodontists to diagnose and treat chronic tooth pain, preserve our patients’ natural teeth, and perform root canal therapy, avoiding the need for tooth replacement. Read on to learn about the endodontic services provided at our Cary and Garner locations!

What Is Endodontics?

Professional Endodontics is an advanced branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and problems with the soft tissues inside of teeth—also known as dental pulp. With endodontic treatment, commonly referred to as root canal therapy, endodontists can clean out, disinfect, and restore the root canal system inside of teeth. If damaged pulp is left untreated, it can cause a series of health issues and may even lead to tooth loss.

Why Visit an Endodontist Instead of a Dentist?

Endodontists have received extensive training and continuing education centered around alleviating tooth pain, performing root canal therapy, and working with the inner layers of the tooth. While many general dentists perform root canal therapy, certified endodontists have completed additional training focused on the inner tissues of the teeth.

Endodontic therapy procedure

Endodontic therapy is a proven and effective way to save a damaged tooth. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Diagnosis and imaging: Your endodontist will examine the tooth and take digital X-rays to pinpoint the issue.
2. Numbing the area: Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure.
3. Cleaning the tooth: A small opening is made to remove infected pulp and bacteria from the root canals.
4. Shaping and disinfecting: The canals are carefully cleaned and shaped to prepare for sealing.
5. Sealing the tooth: The canals are filled with a protective material to prevent reinfection.

How does an endodontist test a tooth?

To determine whether endodontic therapy is needed, an endodontist may use several simple tests, including:

• Cold or heat tests to check nerve response
• Gentle tapping on the tooth to identify inflammation
• X-rays to look for infection below the surface
• Bite tests to locate cracks or pressure sensitivity

What can I expect after an endodontic procedure?

After a root canal or other endodontic treatment, it’s normal to experience mild soreness for a few days. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Some recovery tips we offer include: maintain good oral hygiene, don't chew on the treated tooth until fully restored, and follow your endodontic specialist’s instructions for follow-up care. Most patients return to normal activities the same day, and root canal recovery is typically smooth.

Benefits of endodontic treatment

Choosing endodontic treatment offers several long-term benefits, including:

• Saving your natural tooth
• Preventing infection from spreading
• Relieving pain and sensitivity
• Restoring normal chewing and function
• Protecting your smile and oral health

The Root Canal Procedure

Oftentimes, patients shy away from root canal therapy due to the stigma around it. However, root canals are one of the most common dental procedures and actually have a very high success rate. During the process, we’ll first make a small hole in the crown of your tooth to give us access to the inner layers. We’ll then remove the infected pulp and thoroughly clean the root canals. Afterwards, the canals will be filled with a material called gutta-percha to ward off future infections, and the small entry point will be sealed off with a tooth-colored filling that will blend in seamlessly with your tooth.

What happens during a dental crown procedure?

A dental crown is often placed after root canal treatment to protect and strengthen the tooth. The crown process typically includes:

1. Preparing the tooth by reshaping it
2. Taking impressions for a custom-fit crown
3. Placing a temporary crown for protection
4. Securing the permanent crown once ready

A crown restores both the look and function of your tooth, allowing you to keep smiling bright!

How Do Crowns Relate to Endodontics?

Severe decay and damage can compromise the structure of the natural tooth. So after root canal therapy is complete, most patients need a dental crown, which is a tooth-shaped cap made of special dental ceramic that goes over the entire tooth. This dental crown may be necessary to strengthen and protect the weakened tooth. Our endodontists work with your general dentist so that once root canal therapy is complete, your tooth can be restored with a crown and provide normal function for comfortable biting and chewing.

Get In Touch with Our Expert Team!

Are you suffering from chronic tooth pain? Or have you recently suffered a dental injury? Contact our office to schedule an endodontic consultation.

FAQs

What is endodontic treatment?

Endodontic treatment focuses on the inside of the tooth, often involving root canal therapy to remove infection and relieve pain.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature, swelling, or pain, you might need a root canal.

Is root canal therapy painful?

Modern techniques make root canals comfortable. Most patients feel relief after treatment. Our caring endodontic specialists will make the process smooth for you.

How long does a root canal take?

Most procedures take 60–90 minutes, depending on the tooth.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

In many cases, yes. A crown protects the tooth and restores strength.

How long will a root canal last?

With proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime.

Can I eat after a root canal?

Yes, but avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully healed.

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

An untreated infection can worsen, spread, and lead to tooth loss. Therefore, it is best to get treated right away.