Endodontics & Root Canals Durham, NC
At the office of Thomas S. Clifton, DDS, we focus on the complete dental health of our patients by providing comprehensive dental care for the whole family. Additionally, Dr. Clifton provides endodontic care and works closely with excellent endodontic specialists for any teeth needing further treatment. Whatever your needs may be, Dr. Clifton has the means and resources to ensure your smile is healthy, comfortable and something you are proud to show off.
Endodontic Care
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that involves the treatment of the area of soft tissue inside the tooth. Often times, the only way to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected is to clean out the soft tissue within, which is better known as a root canal. Dr. Clifton has years of experience finding the cause of oral and facial pain and determining the best treatment options for decayed teeth.
Reasons You May Need A Root Canal
There are a variety of reasons a patient might need endodontic treatment, but some of the more common causes that require a root canal include:
- Inflamed/infected tooth pulp
- Severe sensitivity to hot and cold
- Significant tooth decay
- A chipped or broken tooth
- Injury to the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness near the infected tooth
- Repeated dental procedures on a tooth
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please contact Dr. Clifton's office immediately.
What To Expect During The Root Canal Procedure
The purpose of the root canal procedure is to eradicate the infection inside your tooth and preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. Here’s what you can expect during root canal treatment with Dr. Clifton at our Durham, NC family dentist office.
Making You Comfortable
The first step in the procedure is to make sure your tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic. This will provide you with immediate relief from your pain and ensure a more pleasant experience while we work on your tooth. If you’ve opted for any dental sedation, we’ll make sure you are relaxed and ready to go before we start the procedure.
Removing the Infection & Sealing the Tooth
Our dentist in Durham, NC will start by drilling a small hole in your tooth to gain access to the interior chamber of the tooth where the infection is present. With special equipment and a gentle touch, Dr. Clifton will carefully remove all traces of infected material from inside the tooth.
Once the tooth is free of infection, it will be thoroughly disinfected and filled with a substance called gutta-percha. Gutta-percha is a rubbery material used to fill the hollowed-out space inside your tooth and strengthens the structure of the tooth. After that is applied, the tooth will be sealed and a temporary filling placed until you can return to our office for a more permanent restoration.
Restoring the Tooth
After about two weeks of healing time, you’ll return to our Durham, NC dental office for the final step in the process. While having a root canal can save the structure of your natural tooth, removing the infected material can weaken the integrity of the tooth so it’s important to protect it with a restoration such as a dental crown. Dental crowns are made from hard, durable materials such as porcelain and completely cover the exterior of your tooth down to the gum line. Crowns are a great way to surround the existing tooth and strengthen it so you can enjoy normal oral function again for many years to come.
Contact Our Office
Dr. Clifton and his staff understand that dental treatment can be intimidating, which is why we are always happy to answer any questions and help you through the process. Your dental health is our top priority, so Dr. Clifton has included information about oral hygiene, treatment options and much more throughout our website.