Root Canal Therapy For Infected Teeth

Get Out Of Pain And Save Your Tooth, Too!

If you’ve got a painful toothache that won’t go away, there’s a good chance that you have an infected tooth and need root canal therapy. That may sound intimidating, but at Dental Wellness, we offer pain-free care in a relaxing, comfortable environment.

When you get a root canal in Charleston from Dr. Walker, he will clean out the inside of your tooth, get rid of the source of the infection, and restore your smile. Not only does this get you out of pain, but it prevents further complications such as tooth loss and keeps your smile healthy for years to come.

When Would I Need To Get A Root Canal?

You need to get a root canal if one of your teeth gets infected. Most commonly, tooth infections happen when tooth decay eats away at the outer layers of the tooth. If a cavity gets deep enough, it can expose the “pulp” inside the tooth to bacteria. Tooth infections can also happen if you crack, chip, or break a tooth and the damage is deep enough to expose the pulp. The pulp is filled with nerves and blood vessels, and it’s what keeps your teeth alive, so a tooth infection is a very serious issue.

Recognizing The Top Signs Of Infected Teeth

Do you have a tooth infection and need a root canal in Charleston? Here are a few of the most common signs that you may need to see Dr. Walker and our dentists for expert care.

• A toothache that gets worse and won’t go away
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods/drinks
• Pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing
• Visible swelling or redness near the affected tooth
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Grey, brown, or dark tooth discoloration

If you recognize one or more of these signs, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Give Dental Wellness a call today, and we’ll fit you in for a root canal consultation as soon as we can!

What To Expect From Root Canal Therapy

Tooth preparation and numbing

First, Dr. Walker will clean the area to remove any bacteria or debris. Then, he’ll numb your mouth to ensure your comfort. We also offer a variety of sedation options at our office for your comfort. These include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) oral pill-based sedation, and even IV sedation. During your initial consultation, our dental team can help you choose the best option for your needs.

Opening and cleaning your tooth

Once your tooth is numb, Dr. Walker will use a dental drill to remove damaged and decayed tooth material. Then, he will create an opening in the enamel so that he can access the pulp inside your tooth. After this, he will use a variety of specialized dental tools to remove the infected pulp and other material from your teeth.

Sanitizing and filling your tooth

After cleaning out the inside of your tooth, Dr. Walker will flush it with a sanitizing liquid. This destroys any remaining bacteria and prevents the tooth from becoming infected again. The next step is to fill your tooth with a material called “gutta-percha.” This replaces the old pulp and strengthens the inside of your tooth.

Temporary filling or crown placement

As the last step, Dr. Walker will place a temporary filling or crown on top of your newly restored tooth. This will protect it from bacteria and food particles until you can come back to our office to get a permanent ceramic crown. 

Got A Toothache In Charleston? Get Help Right Away!

The sooner you get help for an infected tooth, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to save it with root canal therapy. So don’t wait. If you think that your tooth may be infected, call Dental Wellness immediately. We’ll fit you in for a visit with Dr. Walker and our team as soon as we can.