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Why People Love Haw River Dental
Save Your Natural Tooth When It's Severely Infected
Why Your Tooth Hurts This Much
Severe, throbbing tooth pain usually means bacteria have infected the soft tissue inside your tooth. Without treatment, this infection spreads to the surrounding bone and can cause dangerous abscesses. The pain will only get worse until the nerve dies completely.
Keep Your Natural Tooth Instead of Replacing It
Root canal therapy removes the infected tissue while preserving your natural tooth structure. This costs significantly less than extraction followed by an implant or bridge, and your natural tooth root continues supporting the surrounding bone structure.
Waiting Makes Everything Worse and More Expensive
Dental infections don't heal on their own - they spread to other teeth and into your jawbone. Early treatment means less pain, fewer extensive procedures, and better chances of saving your natural tooth. Delaying treatment often turns a root canal into an extraction.
Experience That Prevents Complications
Dr. Butler has performed hundreds of root canals and understands how to manage complex cases that less experienced dentists refer out. His expertise means faster treatment, better outcomes, and fewer complications that require additional appointments. If you’re experiencing dental pain, call your Greensboro dentist for the relief you need.
Signs You Need Root Canal Treatment
- Severe tooth pain that wakes you up at night
- Pain when biting down or chewing
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling in your gums or face
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Recurring pimple on your gums near the painful tooth
How Dr. Butler Handles Root Canal Treatment
Emergency Assessment
When you call with severe tooth pain, we prioritize getting you seen the same day. Dr. Butler uses digital X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and determine if root canal therapy can save your tooth.
Pain-Free Treatment
We use advanced local anesthesia techniques that eliminate pain during the procedure. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable they feel throughout treatment - nothing like the scary stories you've heard.
Complete Treatment in One Visit
Dr. Butler removes the infected tissue, disinfects the inside of your tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection. In most cases, we can complete your root canal in a single appointment.
Immediate Follow-Up Care
We provide specific aftercare instructions and prescription pain medication if needed. Dr. Butler monitors your healing and addresses any concerns during your recovery.
Why Patients Choose Haw River Dental
Bilingual Care
Our Spanish-speaking dentist and team ensure clear communication so you fully understand your treatment options.
Modern Technology
We use advanced tools to provide precise care, minimize discomfort, and ensure faster recovery.
Flexible Financing
Our financing options are designed to help you manage the cost of care, making it easier for you to get the treatments you need.
Convenient Scheduling
With morning and same-day appointments available, we give you the flexibility to get the care you need without disrupting your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to just pull the tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always better than extraction. Root canals cost less than extraction plus replacement with an implant or bridge, and your natural tooth root helps maintain jaw bone structure that you lose with extraction.
How quickly can you see me for emergency root canal treatment?
We prioritize same-day appointments for patients experiencing severe tooth pain. Call us first thing in the morning for the best chance of same-day treatment, but we'll make every effort to see you quickly regardless of when you call.
Can I eat normally after a root canal?
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until permanent restoration is complete. You can eat soft foods on the other side of your mouth immediately. We'll give you specific dietary guidelines based on your treatment.
What if my root canal fails?
Root canal success rates exceed 90% when performed properly. If problems develop, Dr. Butler will evaluate whether retreatment is possible or if extraction becomes necessary. We stand behind our work.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
Most back teeth need crowns after root canal treatment because the procedure removes significant tooth structure. Dr. Butler will let you know if a crown is necessary and can often place a temporary crown the same day.
Can I drive myself home after a root canal?
Yes. We use only local anesthesia for root canals, so you can drive and return to normal activities immediately. Some patients prefer to take the rest of the day easy, but it's not medically necessary.
How much does a root canal cost?
Costs vary depending on which tooth needs treatment, but most insurance plans cover 70-80% of root canal therapy. We'll verify your benefits before treatment and offer financing options through Cherry if needed.
What happens if I don't get the root canal?
The infection will spread to surrounding teeth and bone, potentially causing dangerous abscesses. You'll eventually need the tooth extracted anyway, but by then you might need additional treatment for bone infection and will definitely need expensive tooth replacement.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals are completed in a single appointment lasting 60-90 minutes. Complex cases might require a second visit, but Dr. Butler completes the majority of root canals in one session to minimize your time away from work or family.
Will my root canal hurt?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable root canal treatment actually is. We use advanced numbing techniques that eliminate pain during the procedure. You might feel pressure, but no pain. Any discomfort afterward is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.