Treatment Overview
About Endodontics (Root Canal)
A root canal is used to treat a tooth when it becomes damaged or diseased. The soft core is called the dental pulp and contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
The diseased or damaged dental pulp is removed, then the pulp chamber and canals are cleaned out and sealed with a temporary filling until a crown can be permanently placed.
If you are experiencing pain or swelling, or have cracked or damaged a tooth, please contact our office so we can evaluate your condition and proceed with care.
Why patients ask about this
How this care can help
Evaluate tooth pain, swelling, or infection symptoms
Help preserve a tooth when treatment is appropriate
Plan the final restoration after root canal therapy
What to expect
A clear path from first visit to next steps
- 1
Urgent evaluation
We examine the tooth, symptoms, bite, and supporting structures to understand what is causing pain.
- 2
Root canal therapy
When appropriate, infected or damaged pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
- 3
Final protection
A crown or other restoration may be recommended to protect the tooth after treatment.
When to call
Dental symptoms and questions this service can help clarify
Lingering tooth pain or swelling
Endodontic evaluation may be needed when pain, swelling, bite sensitivity, or hot/cold sensitivity suggests irritation or infection inside a tooth.
- Call promptly for swelling, fever, trauma, or severe pain
- The dentist checks X-rays, bite, tooth cracks, and nerve symptoms
- Root canal treatment is one possible option, but the exam determines the next step
Tooth pain decisions
Root canal, extraction, or another repair starts with diagnosis
Root canal searches often come from pain, swelling, or a tooth that feels different. The exam determines which option is appropriate.
Why call now
Lingering tooth pain and swelling can signal irritation or infection inside a tooth.
- Call for severe pain, swelling, fever, or trauma
- Mention hot, cold, biting, or night pain
- Do not wait if swelling is spreading
What to ask
The right question is not only whether a root canal is needed.
- Can the tooth be predictably restored?
- Will a crown be needed afterward?
- What happens if extraction is the better option?
Nearby patients
Patients from Graham, Burlington, Mebane, Elon, Haw River, and Gibsonville can call the Graham office for tooth pain evaluation.
- X-rays may be needed
- The dentist checks bite and tooth cracks
- Follow-up restoration may be part of the plan
Common treatments
Care options may include
- Endodontics
- Damaged dental pulp
- Crowns
Questions
Common questions about endodontics (root canal)
When should I call about tooth pain?
Call the office if you have persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity, a cracked tooth, or pain that keeps you from sleeping.
Will I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Many back teeth and weakened teeth need a crown after root canal treatment, but your dentist will recommend the right protection based on the tooth.
Helpful guides
Read more before your visit
Related care