A smiling black man with glasses and a beard, exuding warmth and friendliness.

Save Your Tooth and Your Smile with a Root Canal

In the past, a tooth with a diseased nerve would be lost. Today, whether you need a root canal in Hickory, NC, or elsewhere, we can save your tooth and your smile with a relatively simple dental procedure called a root canal. If you're looking for a dentist in Hickory, NC, we are here to help with expert care.

A close-up of two teeth: one with a missing tooth and another with a root canal treatment visible.
A close-up view of teeth, emphasizing dental care post-root canal treatment.
A tooth with a white and yellow filling, indicating recent root canal treatment.
Detailed view of a tooth with a gap, indicating a missing tooth possibly due to a root canal treatment.

Why Do You Need a Root Canal?

When a tooth is cracked or has a deep cavity, bacteria can cause an infection inside the tooth. An infection can damage the nerve inside the tooth, which provides the sensation of hot or cold. If left untreated, an infection may cause complications, including:

  • An abscess inside the tooth.
  • Pain and swelling that could injure your jawbone and affect your overall health
  • Your tooth may have to be removed

Signs That You Need a Root Canal 

Teeth that need a root canal are not always painful. Here are some other signs that you may need a root canal:

  • Severe toothache
  • Painful chewing or pressure
  • Pain or sensitivity to heat and cold 
  • Dark, discolored teeth
  • Swollen, tender gums 

If you experience these symptoms, contact Valley Hills Dentistry, the best family dentist Hickory NC, as soon as possible. We specialize in a variety of treatments, including root canals in Hickory, NC, to help restore your dental health.

What Happens During A Root Canal?

During a root canal, we relieve the cause of the pain without affecting the day-to-day function of the tooth. Over the course of one to three visits, we will:

  • Remove the diseased nerve and tissue inside the tooth
  • Clean and seal the tooth
  • Fill the tooth with a dental composite

Follow-Up Treatment For Your Root Canal

  • If your tooth had extensive decay, we may suggest a crown to strengthen and protect the tooth from breaking. 
  • Continue to care for your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing, and checkups to help your restored tooth last a lifetime.

See How Root Canals in Hickory, NC Can Deliver the Relief You Need

Schedule a consultation with Valley Hills Dentistry, your trusted same day dentist in Hickory, NC, to discuss how a root canal may be the answer to save your tooth while saving you from unnecessary pain.

Illustration showing the stages of tooth decay, highlighting the progression leading to a root canal treatment.
Brent
Staff is very friendly and caring and the dentist there is very gentle didn’t feel a thing
Michelle
Everyone was great. Dr Shaw guided me to making the best decision for myself. I've only been once and they made an awesome first impression!
Sheila
Dr. Shaw and his staff are friendly, kind, patient and just pleasant to be around. Dr. Shaw is very gifted and has performed excellent dental work for me. That makes going to the dentist much less stressful. I highly recommend Dr. Shaw and Valley Hills Dentistry.