Root Canal Procedures in Greenville & Landrum, SC

Once the gums have been numbed, a small hole will need to be drilled into the top of the tooth so the inside of the tooth can be accessed. Then, the infected tooth pulp inside the tooth must be cleared out, and once the infection is treated, the tooth is carefully cleaned and sealed. After a root canal treatment has been performed, the tooth will most likely need a dental restoration like a dental crown placed over it to protect it from future damage and restore the appearance of the tooth.

There are a few signs that can indicate that a tooth infection is present and a root canal treatment will be needed. However, the only way to know for sure if you need a root canal is by scheduling an appointment with an experienced dentist. Common symptoms include:

• Consistent Tooth Pain
• Sudden Tooth Sensitivity
• Darkening of Tooth
• Tender of Swollen Gums
• Bump on Gums Near Tooth

Root canal treatments tend to cause anxiety, even for patients who are otherwise calm and relaxed at the dentist. This is because root canals have a history of being painful, but fortunately, that is not the case anymore. Root canal treatments always begin with a local anesthetic being injected into the gums, which completely numbs the mouth. After your treatment, you may want to have some over-the-counter pain medication on hand to counteract any discomfort. Our office also offers nitrous oxide sedation to ease dental anxiety.

Most root canal procedures take between 60 and 90 minutes per visit. Depending on the complexity of your case, such as the number of canals in the tooth or the severity of infection, treatment may be completed in one or two visits. Your dentist will discuss the expected timeline during your initial exam.

Recovery from a root canal is typically quick and manageable. You may experience mild tenderness or soreness near the treated tooth for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Most patients feel back to normal within a few days and can return to work or school the next day.

Whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is the best option for your long-term oral health. A root canal preserves the tooth's structure, maintains your natural bite alignment, and avoids the need for replacements like dental implants or bridges. We always recommend saving the tooth when it's a viable option.

In most cases, yes, especially for back teeth. A dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to restore its full strength, protect it from fractures, and help it function normally for years to come. Your dentist will discuss your crown options and help you choose the best material for your needs.

You can eat once the numbness from the anesthesia wears off, which typically takes a few hours. We recommend sticking to soft foods for the first day or two and avoiding chewing directly on the treated tooth until your permanent crown is placed. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your situation.

Delaying treatment can allow the infection to spread to the surrounding bone and tissues, potentially leading to an abscess, bone loss, or the need for tooth extraction. In rare cases, untreated dental infections can affect your overall health. If you're experiencing symptoms, we recommend scheduling an evaluation as soon as possible, our team also provides emergency dental care when urgent situations arise.