If a patient’s dental pulp becomes infected, Dr. Robert H. Watson may recommend a root canal in Charlotte, North Carolina. The dental pulp is the soft area in the center of a tooth where the veins, nerves, and connective tissues are located. When performing root canal therapy, our dentist will remove the infected or diseased pulp from the tooth, clean the tooth thoroughly, and seal the tooth.
- Severe toothache
- Prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Darkening of a tooth
- Swelling and pain in the gums
- A recurring pimple on the gums
To perform root canal therapy, our dentist will first take an X-ray of the root canal to examine the shape and to check for signs of infection in the surrounding bone. An access hole is drilled into the tooth, through which the infected pulp, bacteria, and debris are removed. Our dentist will use root canal files to clean out the tooth all the way down the roots. The tooth is then sealed using a sealer paste and a rubber compound. A dental filling is used to close the access hole.
To learn more and to schedule your next appointment, contact our dental office today.