Gentle Root Canals in Winston Salem

Despite our best efforts to educate our patients, certain myths about dentistry persist. The most common is that root canals are a painful or uncomfortable procedure. In Winston-Salem, NC, root canals are made easy with experience, technology, and a caring dental team.

The truth is that dentistry has seen some impressive advances in technology and techniques in recent decades. These improvements, combined with the skill of an experienced dentist in Winston-Salem, NC and the support of a caring team, add up to a procedure that’s no more complicated than filling a tooth!

If you’re seeking general dentistry and easy root canal therapy in Winston-Salem, NC, contact our dental office today to schedule an exam.

For more information on root canals, continue reading. The frequently asked questions below were compiled by our team to give patients a better understanding of root and pulp infections, root canal therapy, and prevention. If you have any additional questions, or if you would like more information, get in touch with our dental office today.

• What are the signs that I need a root canal in Winston-Salem, NC?
• How does root canal therapy save a tooth?
• What happens during root canal therapy?
• Why do I need a dental crown after my root canal therapy?
• What happens if I put off root canal therapy?
• How will you keep me comfortable during my root canal therapy?
• How can I prevent root infections in the future?
• Do you take my insurance?

What Are the Signs That I Need a Root Canal in Winston Salem, NC?

Your dentist in Winston-Salem, NC is the only person who can determine whether you need root canal therapy because other dental issues can mimic a deep root infection. However, some warning signs you can look for include: 

• Intense tooth pain that gets worse over time 
• A raised bump on the gums
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Swelling, tenderness, or inflammation 

Please call us as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms. Avoiding treatment will only result in more intense pain, a dental emergency, or even tooth loss.

It is the goal of our gentle dentist to relieve your pain and ease your discomfort, and many satisfied patients have been pleasantly surprised by their easy root canal therapy in Winston-Salem, NC!

Root canals are performed to address a severe infection of the dental pulp deep inside your teeth. The pulp holds the blood supply, nerves, and tissue that keep the tooth alive. This area can become inflamed and infected due to severe decay, repeated dental procedures, or other trauma to the tooth. 

When this part of your tooth is involved, a root canal is your only option for removing the infection and saving the tooth. Without the procedure, you would likely experience severe pain and discomfort, and the only other option is to remove the tooth. This isn’t a good option at all because saving tooth structure is always a priority.

Missing teeth cause other teeth to shift, which may lead to a misaligned bite, erosion, cavities, breakage, chewing difficulties, and even tooth loss. Whenever possible, our Winston-Salem, NC dentist tries to save your tooth!

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

In spite of what you have probably heard, a root canal is a very straightforward procedure.

Dr. Tibbs makes a tiny hole in your tooth to reach the infection. Then he uses specialized endodontic instruments to gently and thoroughly clear away the infected material. After he removes the infection, he will fill and seal the tooth. You will be numb during the entire process!

That’s all there is to it! Dr. Tibbs will place a temporary filling and later a dental crown —the latter about two weeks after the procedure.

Why Do I Need a Dental Crown After My Root Canal Therapy?

In many cases, a root and pulp infection compromises the integrity of your treated tooth; this leaves it vulnerable to breakage and tooth loss in the future. A dental crown is a cap that goes over the treated tooth to restore function and provide stable bite force again. Tooth crowns in Winston-Salem, NC are designed to match your smile—no one will guess you even have a dental crown or that you’ve undergone root canal therapy.

If you need a root canal and put off therapy, the pain and swelling can increase without warning and mean a dental emergency. The infection can also spread or lead to the loss of your tooth.

We invite you to join the long list of satisfied root canal patients who had trepidations at first but were surprised (and relieved) when their root canal therapy ended up being an easy treatment that eliminated discomfort.

How Will You Keep Me Comfortable During My Root Canal Therapy?

We understand that the bad reputation of root canals causes many patients to be fearful of the procedure.

If you need a root canal, Dr. Tibbs will ensure that your mouth is completely numb before beginning the procedure, so there’s little risk of any discomfort. But dental anxiety is different for everyone, so if you need some help to relax, we can offer you the benefits of comfortable nitrous oxide sedation.

Nitrous oxide is a safe gas delivered through a nasal mask. It works well to keep patients temporarily relaxed while Dr. Tibbs performs procedures.

You may be surprised to learn that most of our patients watch television during their root canal therapy. It really is that simple.

How Can I Prevent Root Infections in the Future?

Root infections can result from trauma to your tooth, which makes some root infections more difficult to avoid. However, a good rule is regular dental exams, twice-yearly teeth cleanings, and a good oral hygiene routine daily.

Dental exams and x-rays are part of preventive dentistry and allow your Winston-Salem, NC dentist to spot areas of concern. Likewise, regular dental cleanings help reduce the bacteria that can lead to dental infections, including root infections.

According to the American Dental Association, twice-yearly exams and cleanings are the best way to lower your risk for many avoidable, painful, and costly dental issues down the road.

At Jeffrey J. Tibbs, DDS, PA, we invite you to contact our office to discuss your dental benefits. We accept several insurance types, and our team will always work hard to help you maximize your yearly allowable benefits.

We also take CareCredit. This healthcare credit card means you can get the services you need and the dentistry you want. Easy repayment plans and interest-free programs make this healthcare credit card a family favorite. One of our caring team members can help you apply. Decisions are made in only minutes.  

Never Ignore Tooth Pain

We understand your fears, but an infected root canal won’t go away without intervention, and postponing treatment will only result in increased pain. The sooner we see you, the better chance we have of restoring function and preserving the tooth.

If you suspect you need a root canal or are in pain, please contact our Winston-Salem dental office, and we will get you in as soon as possible, usually the same day.

We provide easy root canals in Winston-Salem, and we want to help you overcome your fear