What is a root canal?

A root canal is an endodontic procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth. The pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent reinfection. A crown is typically placed afterward to protect the treated tooth. Root canal therapy saves teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted.

Does a root canal hurt?

No. Root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and patients feel no pain during the procedure. Modern endodontic techniques make root canals no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Post-treatment soreness is mild and temporary, typically manageable with over-the-counter medication.

How long does a root canal take?

A root canal on a front tooth typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Molars with multiple canals may take 60 to 90 minutes. Most root canals are completed in a single visit at Charlotte Root Canal Center.

How much does a root canal cost in Charlotte NC?

Root canal costs in Charlotte NC vary based on which tooth is affected and the complexity of the case. Front teeth cost less than molars because they have fewer canals. Charlotte Root Canal Center accepts most dental insurance plans and offers financing options. Call (704) 375-4252 for specific pricing.

What is an apicoectomy?

An apicoectomy is endodontic microsurgery that removes the tip of a tooth root and surrounding infected tissue. It is performed when a conventional root canal has not fully resolved an infection at the root tip. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with a dental microscope for precision.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Common signs that you may need a root canal include severe toothache or throbbing pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening or discoloration of a tooth, swelling or tenderness in nearby gums, and a persistent pimple on the gums near the affected tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, call Charlotte Root Canal Center at (704) 375-4252 for an evaluation.

Can a root canal save my tooth?

Yes. The purpose of root canal therapy is to save a tooth that is infected or severely damaged rather than extracting it. A properly treated tooth with a crown can last a lifetime with proper care. Saving the natural tooth maintains your bite, prevents adjacent teeth from shifting, and avoids the need for a dental implant or bridge.

Endodontics

Experienced Dental Care

Charlotte Root Canal Center is an endodontic practice at 2809 Coltsgate Road, Suite 210, Charlotte, NC 28211. Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases and injuries of the dental pulp — the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. Dr. R. Sunar, D.M.D provides comprehensive endodontic diagnosis and treatment for all conditions affecting the dental pulp and root canal system. Call (704) 375-4252 to schedule.

What Is Endodontics?

Endodontics comes from the Greek words “endo” (inside) and “odont” (tooth). An endodontist is a dentist who specializes in diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth — specifically the dental pulp and the tissues surrounding the root of the tooth.

While general dentists can perform basic root canal treatment, endodontists focus exclusively on these procedures. This specialization means more experience with complex cases, more advanced equipment, and higher success rates — particularly for retreatment cases, surgical procedures, and teeth with unusual anatomy.

Why See an Endodontist Instead of a General Dentist?

Highly Trained: Endodontists perform root canals and related procedures every day, all day. A general dentist may perform a few root canals per week alongside fillings, cleanings, and other general procedures. This volume of experience matters for complex cases.

Advanced technology: Endodontic practices like Charlotte Root Canal Center use dental operating microscopes, digital imaging, and ultrasonic instruments that many general dental offices do not have.

Complex cases: Teeth with calcified canals, unusual root anatomy, previous failed root canals, or requiring surgical intervention are best handled by an endodontist with specialized training and equipment.

Efficiency: Because endodontists perform these procedures daily, most root canals are completed in a single visit — often faster and more comfortably than at a general dental office.

Endodontic Services at Charlotte Root Canal Center

Dr. Sunar provides the full range of endodontic services:

Root Canal Therapy: Removal of infected pulp tissue to save teeth. Most completed in one visit.

Apicoectomy: Endodontic microsurgery to remove root tip infection when conventional treatment hasn’t resolved the problem.

Cracked Teeth: Specialized diagnosis and treatment for cracked, fractured, or split teeth.

Emergency Dentistry: Same-day appointments for severe pain, infections, and dental trauma.

Internal Bleaching: Whitening teeth that have darkened after root canal treatment.

Tooth Sensitivity: Diagnosis and treatment of persistent tooth sensitivity.

Traumatic Dental Injuries: Emergency care for knocked-out, dislodged, and broken teeth.

Technology at Charlotte Root Canal Center

Digital radiography: High-resolution digital X-rays with significantly less radiation exposure than traditional film X-rays. Images are available instantly for immediate diagnosis.

Dental operating microscope: Provides up to 25x magnification and powerful illumination, allowing Dr. Sunar to see inside the canal system with extraordinary detail — identifying additional canals, cracks, and anatomy that are invisible to the naked eye.

Ultrasonic instruments: Specialized instruments that use ultrasonic vibration to efficiently clean and shape the canal system with greater precision than hand instruments alone.

Referred by Your Dentist?

Charlotte Root Canal Center accepts referrals from general dentists throughout the Charlotte metro area. If your dentist referred you for endodontic treatment, call (704) 375-4252 to schedule. We provide detailed reports back to your referring dentist after treatment so they can complete the final restoration (crown). You can also self-refer — a dentist referral is not required to schedule an appointment.

Patient Resources

First time visiting? See our new patient information page for what to bring and what to expect.

Check our accepted insurance list.

Learn about financing options for endodontic treatment.

Need an Endodontist in Charlotte?

Whether you were referred by your dentist or seeking care on your own, Charlotte Root Canal Center is here to help.

Call (704) 375-4252