Root Canal Therapy

67 percent of Americans worry they’ll feel pain if they have to undergo a root canal treatment. However, root canal therapy today can be as painless as getting a tooth filling! With state-of-the-art equipment and advances in endodontics, root canal therapy is a safe, effective way to save your smile.

What Is a Root Canal?

Your root canal is actually a natural part of your tooth. It refers to the cavity within your tooth that contains your dental pulp and your tooth’s nerve.

But that’s not exactly what people mean when they talk about “getting a root canal.” What they’re referring to is a type of endodontic procedure (“endo” meaning “inside” and “odont” meaning “tooth”) called root canal therapy.

Root canal therapy is the process of removing decayed or infected tooth matter from inside of your tooth, along with your tooth’s nerve. This restores your tooth’s natural strength and can help prevent future infections.

Who Needs Root Canal Therapy?

Bacteria within your root canal can lead to infection and decay. However, we’re not just talking about a normal cavity. Since the infection is deep within your tooth, it can cause an abscessed tooth.

An abscess is a pocket full of pus that forms at the end of your tooth roots. It can lead to a number of dangerous complications, such as:

Since root canal infections can be so severe, prompt treatment is often necessary to save your natural tooth. Otherwise, extraction may be necessary. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity, toothaches, or swelling, call our dentist today for an evaluation.

What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure

First, Dr. Blevins will examine your tooth with an X-ray to determine how far the infection has spread. Then, he will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. That way, you’ll remain comfortable throughout the procedure.

Dr. Blevins will drill an access hole into your tooth to remove your pulp, nerve tissue, and any sign of bacteria or decay. After your tooth has been cleaned, he will seal it.

Sometimes, we can seal your tooth the day of; other times, we’ll wait for your infection to clear up first. If we have to wait to seal your tooth, we’ll use a temporary filling to protect your tooth until it is sealed.

Even if we can save your natural tooth, the infection in your root canal may have severely weakened it. If that’s the case, we may need to do an additional restorative procedure, such as placing a dental crown, before your tooth will regain its natural strength and appearance.

Save Your Smile With Root Canal Therapy

Dr. Blevins is a Mullins, SC, endodontic dentist who uses root canal therapy to save patients’ teeth from infection and decay. Call Blevins Dentistry today at (843) 561-4039, or contact us online to schedule an appointment.