Root Canal in Charlotte

When the pulp of a tooth, containing blood vessels and nerves, becomes infected because of decay or injury, a root canal treatment is required. The infection may not cause pain in its early stages.

If your tooth changes color, it might mean the nerve is dying. This also requires a root canal.

We use a local anesthetic to numb the gum line near the damaged tooth. Then we remove all the pulp from the tooth. This should remove all the decay. Once the pulp is gone, we will likely put a crown on the tooth to keep it sturdy. The crown itself may need to be replaced once every 10 to 15 years.

At Kleinheinz Dentistry, it takes 1 to 2 hours to complete a root canal in Charlotte.

If you have pain in your teeth, come in for a consultation with Dr. Kleinheinz. He will determine if you have a dead or diseased nerve that needs a root canal.

Saving your natural tooth is always preferable to support your long-term oral health. At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we only recommend extractions when absolutely necessary.

That being said, you are in control of your care. If you do not wish to have a root canal, you can opt to fully remove the tooth. However, extractions are more expensive and invasive, requiring extended downtime. If you undergo an extraction, Dr. Kleinheinz may recommend dental implants, using prosthetics to replace the missing tooth.

There is no particular pre-care you need to do before your root canal in Charlotte. Just keep up with your normal tooth brushing routine.

No. Most patients don’t feel any pain during a root canal because we administer anesthesia to the gumline where the bad tooth resides. If you should experience any pain after the surgery, you can take an NSAID like ibuprofen.

You’ll notice relief immediately after your root canal in Charlotte, as Dr. Kleinheinz will have fully removed the damaged tissue and nerves in the pulp. Most patients comfortably return to their routines after the procedure.

However, your gums and teeth may feel a bit tender for the next 2 to 5 days. To minimize any discomfort, we recommend sticking to soft foods during the first 24 hours and avoiding anything extremely hot or cold, as your tooth may be sensitive. To reduce swelling, you can use over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol and ice the area for 15 minutes at a time.

Remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day, being gentle around the treated area. Most people feel back to normal within a week. After a few months, once the bone fully heals, your tooth will be as strong as it was before the infection.

Regrettably, we’re unable to accept HMO plans. Contact us to learn about your insurance policy’s specific coverage for root canals.

You may have to pay some out-of-pocket expenses even with dental insurance. Unpaid claims are overdue after 45 days, resulting in a complete invoice. You handle all service charges used by you and your dependents. We will add a 30% charge to your balance if you do not pay and your account goes to collections.

In most cases, yes. A root canal removes the damaged pulp, preventing pain and infection from spreading. However, if Dr. Kleinheinz has to remove a significant amount of damaged tissue and nerves, a root canal alone can weaken the tooth’s structure.

To strengthen and protect the natural tooth, he may apply a crown. Crowns act as a protective cap on the surface, restoring the tooth’s natural appearance and making chewing more comfortable.