At Cary Family Dental, Dr. Allan Acton helps patients throughout Cary, Apex, Durham, Holly Springs, and the greater Raleigh area understand when root canals become the best option for preserving their oral health.
What Makes Root Canals Necessary?
Root canals become the preferred treatment when the soft tissue inside your tooth (called the pulp) becomes infected or severely damaged. This pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that helped your tooth develop. When bacteria invade this space through cracks, deep decay, or trauma, the infection can spread and cause intense pain.
Without treatment, the infection continues to grow, potentially leading to abscesses, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss. Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of your tooth, and seals it to prevent future problems.
5 Warning Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Dr. Acton recommends watching for these key symptoms that often indicate root canal treatment may be necessary:
1. Severe Pain When Chewing or Applying Pressure
Persistent, throbbing pain that worsens when you bite down often signals infected pulp tissue.
2. Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
If sensitivity lingers long after removing the hot or cold stimulus, this suggests nerve damage inside your tooth.
3. Discoloration of the Tooth
A tooth that turns dark or grayish may indicate that the pulp inside is dying or already dead.
4. Swelling and Tenderness in Nearby Gums
Swollen, tender gums around a specific tooth can signal an infection spreading from the tooth’s interior.
5. A Persistent or Recurring Pimple on the Gums
These bumps, called fistulas, form when your body creates a pathway to drain infection from the tooth root.
Modern Root Canals: Comfortable and Effective
Today’s root canal procedures bear little resemblance to the outdated reputation they carry. Advanced technology has transformed this treatment into a comfortable, highly successful procedure.
Dr. Acton uses digital imaging and rotary instruments that make root canals faster and more precise than ever before. The procedure typically takes just one to two visits, and most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Sedation Options Put You at Ease
At Cary Family Dental, we understand dental anxiety is real. That’s why we offer various sedation options to help you feel completely comfortable during your root canal:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) provides gentle relaxation
- Oral sedation helps anxious patients feel calm and drowsy
- Local anesthesia ensures you feel no pain during the procedure
Many patients are surprised to learn that root canals actually eliminate pain rather than cause it. The procedure removes the infected tissue causing your discomfort, providing immediate relief.
Your Natural Tooth Is Worth Saving
Root canals have a success rate of over 85%, and treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. Saving your natural tooth maintains your bite alignment, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for more complex treatments like implants or bridges.
Don’t let fear prevent you from getting the treatment you need. Root canal therapy at Cary Family Dental combines Dr. Acton’s expertise with modern technology and compassionate care to save your tooth and restore your smile.
If you’re experiencing any warning signs or have concerns about a tooth, contact Cary Family Dental today. Your smile deserves the best care—and that includes overcoming fear to preserve your natural teeth for years to come.
Contact Cary Family Dental:
919-371-4428
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
915 Kildaire Farm Rd
Cary, North Carolina
27511
