Root canals spark strong reactions. Many people in North Carolina (and across the country) still picture painful, drawn-out procedures, often shared as horror stories over the dinner table.
Popular root canal myths have stuck around for years, causing unnecessary anxiety and, sometimes, people avoiding necessary care.
Here’s the truth: modern root canal treatments are nothing like those old tales. Advances in dental science and technology have made the process safe, comfortable, and efficient.
Far from being a cause for worry, a root canal today offers relief and can often save your natural smile. They’re also extremely common, with more than 15 million root canals performed in the United States every year.
Our goal is to clear up the misunderstandings around root canal therapy, offer real facts, and give you the confidence to make good decisions about your dental health. When you are well-informed, you can weigh your options with your best interests in mind.
What Exactly Is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat infection or inflammation at the center of a tooth. Dentists often call it clinical endodontic treatment or “root canal therapy.”
This procedure becomes necessary when bacteria or trauma reach the soft tissue, called pulp, inside the infected tooth. A root canal infection can happen because of a deep cavity, a cracked tooth, or a serious injury.
When the pulp gets infected, you might face swelling, throbbing tooth pain, or even an abscess. Ignoring these symptoms can risk spreading infection or losing the diseased tooth altogether. A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it up to prevent further issues.
The main benefit is that you get to keep your natural tooth. Preserving your tooth means your bite remains stable, your smile stays intact, and you avoid the work and cost that comes with tooth replacements. Saving your tooth is almost always better for long-term oral health.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure
Getting a root canal may sound scary, but understanding the process can put you at ease. Here’s what actually happens during root canal therapy:
1. Numbing the Area
We start by using a local anesthetic on the affected tooth. As such, root canals aren’t painful anymore! The treated tooth and surrounding gum will be fully numb, and you should feel little more than gentle pressure when the dentist drills.
2. Opening the Tooth and Removing the Pulp Tissue
Once numb, a small opening is made in the top of the tooth. This allows us to reach and remove the dead or diseased pulp right from the root canals. Specialized tools are used to carefully clean and shape the inside channels, eliminating bacteria and debris.
3. Cleaning, Shaping, and Filling
After cleaning the root canals, the space is disinfected to further prevent infection. Then, the inside is filled with a biocompatible rubbery material called gutta-percha. This filling seals off the canal to block out future bacteria and protect adjacent teeth.
4. Sealing and Protecting the Tooth
Once filled, the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. In most cases, a dental crown is later placed over the tooth to preserve its structure and restore function. This final step helps protect the tooth for many years to come.
The whole process is done with advanced tools and is much gentler than many people expect. A root canal appointment often takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how complex the case is. The American Dental Association states that most patients can complete their treatment in one to two office visits.
What to Expect After a Root Canal: Recovery & Healing for Your Natural Tooth
Many believe root canal recovery is long and difficult, but that’s one more myth. Most patients return to their normal routines within a few hours of their procedure.
It’s common to feel mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days after treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen usually manage any discomfort. You might notice your tooth feeling slightly different for a week or so, especially while chewing.
True complications are rare, but can still happen. Contact your dentist if you notice severe pain that doesn’t improve, swelling that gets worse, or signs of an allergic reaction. Also, try to avoid chewing on the treated side of your mouth until the tooth is fully restored with a permanent filling or crown.
Sticking to soft foods for the first 24 hours can also help with healing. Follow any aftercare instructions you’re given and keep up with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups to protect your dental health.
Why Root Canals Are Often a Better Option Than Tooth Extraction
When deciding between a root canal and pulling a tooth, keeping your natural tooth is almost always the best path if possible. A root canal preserves your natural bite and appearance, and it avoids the chain reaction that can start when a tooth is removed.
If a tooth is pulled and not replaced, neighboring teeth may shift, which can cause bite problems, jaw pain, or even bone loss in your jaw over time. Tooth replacements like implants or bridges are great options when needed, but they cost more and take more effort than saving the tooth in the first place.
In terms of comfort, chewing, and lifelong dental health, root canal therapy is an investment that can truly pay off.
Do You Need a Root Canal? Signs & Symptoms to Watch For
It isn’t always easy to tell when a tooth needs a root canal, but several clear symptoms can help.
If you’re in Catawba County and notice the following signs, contact the Hickory Dental team as soon as possible:
- Persistent, throbbing toothache that doesn’t go away
- Sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers even after the source is gone
- Sharp pain when biting or chewing on a certain tooth
- Swollen, tender, or darkening gums near the tooth
- A small pimple or abscess on the gums (may release pus)
- Cracked or chipped tooth, especially if the inner dental pulp is exposed
These symptoms don’t always mean you need a root canal, but they do suggest possible infection or damage. Early care can often make the difference between saving and losing your natural tooth structure.
Don’t wait! If you see any of these problems, call your dentist right away to discuss treatment options.
How Hickory Dental Care Performs Root Canal Treatments
At our office in Hickory, you’ll find a team experienced in root canal treatment and patient comfort. We rely on digital X-rays for precise imaging and modern instruments that make each step more accurate and gentle.
For those who feel anxious in the dental chair, we offer safe sedation options that help you relax and stay calm throughout the appointment.
Our focus with every patient is to keep the procedure as minimally invasive as possible. We explain each step in plain language, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported while in our care. From diagnosis to the final restoration, we prioritize lasting comfort, clear communication, and an overall healthy mouth.
Protect Your Smile Today
Timely root canal treatment can reduce pain, preserve your natural tooth, and help you return to normal chewing and daily comfort. If you’re noticing any of the symptoms mentioned above, or you’re unsure whether a root canal is needed, now is the right time to get it checked at an in-person office visit.
At Hickory Dental Care, Dr. Probst and Dr. Spencer welcome patients across Hickory and the surrounding communities. Schedule a visit today, and our team will evaluate the tooth and recommend the next step for your smile.
