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Root Canal

Are you suffering from sharp dental pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, or inflammation? If so, you may have an infected tooth.

Drs. Gary McCord and Ashley Starr offer gentle root canal treatment to eliminate infection and restore your oral health.

Get relief at our Belmont, NC, dental practice today!

Schedule a Root Canal

If you need a root canal, it is important to see the dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can cause worsening pain and even lead to tooth loss. Patients in the greater Charlotte region can contact our Belmont, NC, office for an urgent appointment today. You can reach us by calling: (704) 825-5111.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to restore a severely damaged or infected tooth.

Plaque and tartar are bacteria-rich substances that eat away at tooth enamel. The decay can lead to a cavity and eventually reach the inside of a tooth.  When the innermost layer, known as the pulp, becomes infected, it must be removed in order to save the tooth.

During a root canal, your dentist carefully extracts the pulp and reseals the tooth to prevent further damage. 

Filler

Why Choose South Point Family Dentistry? "They take the time to get to know you and care about you as a person."

1

Terrence Sanders

2022

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I received outstanding customer service from South Point Dentistry. The staff treated me like family. Everyone from the front desk staff, the dental hygienist and the dentist were very kind. My dental hygienist was Joy yesterday and my teeth look and feel great. I will be sticking with this dental practice.

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1

Tonya Bumgardner

2022

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Top notch! Been going to this office for many years. Referred my friends and family as well! Dr. McCord and his staff are very friendly and personable! They take the time to get to know you and care about you as a person. Not only do they go the extra mile to take care of your dental needs, but your overall well-being! They go above and beyond! Love it here!!!

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Learn More About the Benefits
Of Root Canal Treatment

Prevent Tooth Loss

When left untreated, bacteria and infection can destroy your tooth and even spread to surrounding teeth. Root canal treatment is one of the most effective ways to eliminate infection and prevent the need for an extraction. 

Save Money

A root canal is one of the easiest ways to prevent tooth loss and avoid needing costly restorative dentistry in the future. In most cases, root canals are covered by insurance, so you do not have to worry about breaking your budget.  

Relieve Pain

The side effects of tooth infection can be so painful that you may struggle to concentrate on work, eat meals, or get a full night's sleep. A root canal will eliminate infection and relieve these uncomfortable side effects.

Restore Aesthetics

A damaged or infected tooth can turn a dark shadowy color and distract from the overall appearance of your smile. After a root canal, we cap the tooth with a custom-made dental crown that looks natural and makes your smile look healthy once again.

How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
Warning Signs of an Infected Tooth

While it is impossible to know for sure if you need root canal treatment without first seeing the dentist, there are several common symptoms of infection. You may notice:

  • Persistent tooth pain even when you are not eating
  • Redness or swelling of the gums
  • Sensitivity when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures 
  • Your tooth has turned a dark or shadowy color
  • A deep crack or fracture in the enamel

Of course, it is possible to have a dental infection and not show symptoms at all. This is why we recommend visiting South Point Family Dentistry at least twice a year for a checkup. Early detection is the best way to get the treatment you need before you develop a more serious dental problem.

Watch how our dentists perform a root canal and restore your oral health...

Ensuring Gentle Treatment

Despite common misconceptions, root canals are no more scary than filling a cavity.

Before root canal treatment, your dentist will numb your teeth and gums with a local anesthetic. Most patients feel nothing other than slight pressure during the procedure and remain comfortable the entire time.

We understand that some people experience higher levels of anxiety in the dentist's chair than others, and can offer sedation to ensure your comfort. You can ask about sedation dentistry during your consultation, or contact our Belmont, NC, office for more information.

What To Expect During a Root Canal

Root canal treatment usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour at our Belmont, NC, dental office and involves the following steps:

Administering Anesthesia

Your dentist will administer local anesthesia and ask you about your pain levels. Once your teeth and gums are numb, and you feel comfortable, we will begin the procedure.

Accessing Pulp Chamber

Next, your dentist creates a small hole in the surface of the infected tooth to access the inner chamber where the pulp is located.

Extracting Pulp

Using special tools to ensure maximum precision, your dentist gently removes the pulp from the inner chamber and root canals of the tooth. Any other decayed portions of enamel are removed as well. The pulp chamber is then sterilized to prevent future infection.

Sealing the Tooth

Your dentist then fills the pulp chamber of the tooth with an inert rubber substance. Finally, we place a dental filling or a temporary crown over the tooth to protect the structure from reinfection.

Long-Term Protection

A Closer Look at Our Custom Restorations

In most cases, we will recommend placing a dental crown over a root canal-treated tooth for maximum strength. Unlike a filling, a crown caps all of the external tooth structure, providing the entire tooth with an additional layer of protection.

Our Belmont, NC, dentists work with a trusted dental lab to custom make crowns and other restorations. The lab technicians hand-craft your crown from premium materials like porcelain and zirconia, which are virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth enamel.

Your dentist will discuss your restorative options and help you design the best crown for your long-term health.

After Your Root Canal Procedure

It is normal to experience some sensitivity for a day or two following your root canal treatment. We recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to help mitigate any discomfort.

Be careful about what you eat while wearing your temporary crown or filling. Temporary restorations are not as durable as a custom-made crown will be. In about two weeks, your permanent crown will be ready and you can return to South Point Family Dentistry to complete your treatment.

If you have any questions at any point in your recovery do not hesitate to contact our Belmont office. A member of our friendly team will be happy to provide assistance.

Read Patient Reviews for South Point Family Dentistry "I couldn't imagine going anywhere else"

1

Timothy Mikels

2021

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Dr. McCord and his team are like visiting family. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. It's not like the old days when people dreaded going to the dentist. I would suggest for anyone to check them out and like me they will make you feel like part of their family! Dr McCord and his staff are talented and I have all the confidence they have the best interest in mind for me and my dental needs!!!

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1

Irene Pharr

2021

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I've been a patient here for many years Dr McCord is wonderful and cares so much for his patients. The staff are always friendly and you really feel you get the best quality of care. I couldn't imagine going anywhere else.

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South Point Family Dentistry

Drs. Gary McCord, Ashley Starr, Matthew Rodda, and Andrew Price are highly trained dentists who combine advanced training and compassionate care to help patients of all ages achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. They are affiliated with prestigious organizations, including:

  • American Dental Association
  • North Carolina Dental Society
  • Academy of General Dentistry

We work with most insurance plans and offer financing. To visit our office, request an appointment online or call us at (704) 825-5111.

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