Skip to main content
Root Canal Treatment
Relieve the Pain, Save the Tooth

With years of experience, our dentists perform comfortable, thorough root canal treatment.

Book an Appointment
root canal in apex, nc
We Offer Sedation Dentistry for Root Canals
Call Us Now

Root Canal in Apex, NC

Persistent tooth pain, lingering tooth sensitivity, or swelling near a tooth are signs that something is happening inside the tooth that needs attention. At Bass & Watson Family Dental in Apex, NC, Dr. Michael Bass and Dr. Robert Watson provide root canal treatment to address infection and damage before it leads to tooth loss.

Why Do I Need Root Canal Treatment?

The innermost part of your tooth, called the pulp, contains nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that keep it alive. Root canal treatment is the procedure we recommend to address infected, decayed, or inflamed pulp.

Damaged or infected pulp will not heal on its own. With a root canal, our dentists remove the affected tissue, clean the inside of the tooth, and seal it to prevent reinfection.

Without treatment, the infection continues to spread. It can affect the surrounding bone and tissue, and we may eventually need to remove the tooth. By treating the source of infection, we preserve your natural tooth.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Not every tooth that needs a root canal causes obvious pain. Some infections develop without significant discomfort. Here are three of the most common signs that root canal treatment may be needed:
Persistent, Worsening Pain
Throbbing pain that does not go away, especially pain that wakes you at night or worsens when you bite down, often indicates infection or inflammation inside the tooth. Over-the-counter pain relief may reduce the discomfort temporarily, but it does not address the underlying cause.
Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Brief sensitivity to temperature is common and not always a cause for concern. Sensitivity that lingers for more than a few seconds after you remove the hot or cold source is different. It's often a sign that the nerve tissue inside the tooth has been affected by decay or damage.
Swelling or a Pimple on the Gum
A visible bump on the gum near a tooth, localized swelling in the jaw, or a bad taste in the mouth can indicate an abscess, a pocket of infection at the root of the tooth. Some abscesses cause significant pain. Others cause little or none. Either way, an abscess requires prompt treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

View More

Yes! We can use sedation for root canal treatment, although you may not need to be fully "asleep" for the procedure. Here's what you should know. 

At Bass & Watson Family Dental, we offer several levels of sedation dentistry in Apex, NC. Depending on your needs, we can determine which type of dental sedation best suits your treatment procedure.  

Nitrous Oxide

Also known as "laughing gas," we deliver nitrous oxide through an inhalation mask worn throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide offers a lighter level of sedation without side effects that linger afterwards. This makes it safe for adults or children, and they can continue their normal activities afterwards. 

Oral Conscious Sedation 

For a deeper level of sedation, you can choose oral sedation, which is delivered through prescribed medication that you take an hour before your procedure. 

IV Sedation

The deepest level of relaxation we offer is IV sedation, delivered intravenously. During IV sedation, you are still conscious but feel as if you're sleeping. 

Dr. Watson is one of only a few dentists certified and licensed to provide IV sedation in North Carolina. He will monitor your vital signs throughout the entire process and can adjust your medication as needed. 

To learn more about dental sedation in Apex, contact Bass and Watson Family Dental at (919) 362-6789.

What's Involved with Getting a Root Canal?

Root canal treatment performed by Dr. Bass and Dr. Watson is straightforward:

  • Examination and x-rays — We examine the tooth and take x-rays to assess the extent of the infection and the shape of the root canals
  • Anesthesia — We numb the treatment area thoroughly before beginning any work. Sedation options are available for additional comfort, including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. 
  • Pulp removal — Using specialized instruments, we remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth, then clean and shape the canals.
  • Sealing — We then fill and seal the cleaned canals to help prevent reinfection.
  • Restoring the tooth — We place a temporary filling on the tooth that we will replace with a final crown or filling after healing, which takes about two weeks.

In more complex cases, Dr. Bass or Dr. Watson may refer you to an endodontist for a root canal.

  • Gisoo - Dental Assistant

    Gisoo

    Chairside Assistant

     

     

    What’s something surprising that not many people know about ...

    Read More
  • Rachel - Chairside Assistant

    Rachel

    Chairside Assistant

     

     

    What’s something surprising that not many people know about ...

    Read More
  • Shao, chairside dental assistant, smiling warmly in blue scrubs and colorful patterned scrub cap

    Shao

    Chairside Assistant

     

     

    What’s something surprising that not many people know about ...

    Read More
  • Alison - Chairside Assistant at Bass & Watson Family Dental

    Alison

    Chairside Assistant

    Read More
  • Apex, NC dentist Dr. Michael Bass

    Dr. Michael Bass

    Dr. Michael Bass is originally from Edenton, NC. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Brigham Young University in Utah. He then received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at ...

    Read More
  • Dr. Robert Watson

    Dr. Robert Watson

    Dr. Watson is an accomplished dentist with a diverse background in dentistry and a passion for providing exceptional care to his patients. Originally hailing from Fairfield, Montana, he pursued his ...

    Read More

Root Canal Recovery and Aftercare

Most patients return to their usual activities the day after root canal treatment. Some tenderness around the treated tooth is normal for a few days and typically responds well to over-the-counter pain medication. Avoid chewing on the treated side until we have fully restored the tooth.

If you notice increasing pain, swelling, or the temporary restoration comes loose before your follow-up appointment, call us right away.

Do You Think You Need a Root Canal?

Are you experiencing any symptoms of root infection? Call Bass & Watson Family Dental in Apex, NC, at (919) 842-3994. We are conveniently located near the Haddon Hall, Walden Creek, Golders Green, and Castlewood neighborhoods.

Do You Think You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Book with Us Now