Expert Root Canal Therapy | Robert Scott Nance, D.D.S., M.S., P.A.
Root canal treatment is an effective dental procedure designed to save teeth affected by severe damage or infection in the pulp. This therapy involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the tooth, and sealing it to prevent future issues. Dr. Robert Scott Nance, an experienced endodontist in Hickory NC and Statesville NC, specializes in relieving pain and preserving natural tooth structure, ensuring a comfortable treatment process.
How Root Canal Therapy Saves Your Natural Tooth
The primary goal of root canal therapy is to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Preserving your natural tooth is always the best option for your overall oral health. When a natural tooth is saved, you can continue to chew efficiently and maintain the normal biting forces that protect your jawbone. It also prevents neighboring teeth from shifting out of position, which can lead to alignment issues and other dental problems down the line.
The benefits of saving your natural tooth with a root canal are significant:
- Maintains Normal Chewing and Biting: Your treated tooth will function just like any other tooth.
- Prevents Teeth from Shifting: It keeps your bite and alignment intact.
- Avoids the Need for Replacements: You can avoid more extensive and costly procedures like dental implants or bridges.
- Preserves Your Natural Smile: The treatment allows you to keep your original tooth, often restored with a seamless crown.
Without treatment, an infected tooth will not heal on its own. The infection can spread to the jawbone, causing bone loss and potentially affecting your overall health. Extraction would be the only alternative, which can alter how your teeth fit together and make chewing more difficult. A successful root canal allows you to keep your tooth safe and functional for many years, often for a lifetime.
What to Expect During Your Root Canal Procedure
Modern root canal procedures are designed to be precise, efficient, and comfortable for the patient. Many patients are surprised to find that the experience is similar to getting a routine filling.
- Anesthesia and Comfort: The first step is to ensure you are completely comfortable. Dr. Nance will apply a local anesthetic to thoroughly numb the tooth and the surrounding area, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. For patients who experience dental anxiety, sedation options may be available to promote relaxation.
- Accessing and Cleaning the Pulp: A small, protective sheet called a dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it clean and dry. Dr. Nance will then create a tiny opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, he will carefully remove the inflamed or infected pulp.
- Shaping and Disinfecting the Canals: Once the pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth, including the root canals, is meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate all bacteria.
- Sealing the Tooth: The canals are then filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material seals the inside of the tooth completely, preventing bacteria from re-entering. A temporary filling is then placed to close the opening.
- Final Restoration: After the root canal, you will need to return to your general dentist to have a permanent crown or other restoration placed on the tooth. This final step is crucial as it protects the treated tooth from fracture and restores its full function.
The entire treatment may take one or two visits, depending on the complexity of the tooth's canal system.
Recovery and High Success Rates
Following a root canal, it is normal for the tooth to feel a little sensitive or tender for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. This mild discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities, including work or school, the very next day.
To ensure a smooth recovery and long-term success, it is important to:
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily.
- Avoid chewing on hard or crunchy foods with the treated tooth until the final restoration is in place.
- Keep your follow-up appointment with your general dentist for the permanent crown.
Root canal treatment has a very high success rate, with over 95% of treated teeth lasting for many years. With a proper restoration and consistent home care, a tooth saved with a root canal can last a lifetime, reinforcing that it is a safe, predictable, and lasting solution.
Alternatives if Root Canal Therapy Is Not an Option
Sometimes, a root canal may not be suitable due to extensive damage or infection. In such cases, tooth extraction may be necessary, leaving a gap that can affect chewing and lead to the shifting of other teeth. To maintain balance, the missing tooth can be replaced with:
- Dental Implants – designed to function like natural teeth.
- Bridges – fitted between adjacent teeth to fill the gap.
- Partial Dentures – removable solutions for one or more missing teeth.
At our clinic, we provide information on each option and guide patients to the best choice for their needs.
Advanced Technology in Modern Endodontics
Dr. Nance utilizes advanced technology to make root canal treatment faster, more comfortable, and more precise than ever before. Digital X-rays and 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) provide highly detailed images of your tooth's anatomy, allowing for meticulous planning and diagnosis. Furthermore, surgical operating microscopes are used to magnify the inside of the tooth, ensuring that even the smallest and most complex canals are thoroughly cleaned and treated.
Meet Dr. Robert Scott Nance, D.D.S., M.S., P.A.
Dr. Robert Scott Nance is a highly trained endodontist serving the communities of Statesville and Hickory, NC. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.), Dr. Nance has dedicated his career to mastering advanced endodontic treatments. With over 25 years of experience, his practice is founded on the principles of precision, innovation, and patient-centered care. Through continuous education, he remains at the forefront of modern endodontics, integrating new technologies and techniques to achieve excellent outcomes.
Financial and Insurance Information
Our practice is committed to providing affordable, high-quality care. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Debit, cash, and flexible financing through CareCredit. While we may not be in-network with all insurance providers, we will work with you to maximize your benefits for covered procedures. Please bring your insurance information to your appointment, and our knowledgeable staff will gladly assist you with any questions.
