Root Canal Treatment in Greenwood, SC
A severe toothache can bring your day to a stop. When infection or inflammation reaches the nerve inside a tooth, root canal treatment is often the best way to relieve pain and save your natural tooth. At Greenwood Family Dentistry, Dr. Ackerman provides gentle, effective root canal therapy for patients throughout Greenwood and the Lakelands area, helping you avoid an extraction and keep your smile intact.
What Is a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is a soft area called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack, or an injury allows bacteria to reach the pulp, it can become infected or inflamed. During root canal treatment, the damaged pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the canals are filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Not every infected tooth causes pain, which is why regular exams and digital X-rays are important. Common warning signs include:
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
If you notice any of these symptoms, call our office. We are available for dental emergencies and will work to get you out of pain quickly.
What to Expect During Treatment
Modern root canal treatment is far more comfortable than its reputation suggests. The area is thoroughly numbed before we begin, and many patients say the experience feels similar to getting a filling. For anxious patients, nitrous oxide can help you relax. After the infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned and sealed, the tooth is protected with a filling.
Because a tooth becomes more brittle after root canal treatment, especially a back tooth, Dr. Ackerman often recommends a crown to restore strength. With our CEREC technology, many patients receive a same-day crown without a second visit.
Why Save Your Natural Tooth?
Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain your bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and avoids the time and cost of replacing a tooth with a bridge or implant. In cases where a tooth can’t be saved, we’ll discuss extraction and replacement options with you.
Root Canal FAQs
Does a root canal hurt?
Root canal treatment is performed with local anesthesia, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. It actually relieves the pain caused by an infected tooth.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canal treatments take one to two hours, depending on the tooth and the number of canals involved.
Will I need a crown after a root canal?
Often, yes. Back teeth in particular usually need a crown to protect them from breaking. Our CEREC system allows many crowns to be completed the same day.
How long does a tooth last after a root canal?
With a proper restoration and good oral hygiene, a tooth treated with a root canal can last many years, often a lifetime.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal?
An untreated infection can spread, cause severe pain and swelling, damage the surrounding bone, and eventually lead to losing the tooth.
Is it better to pull the tooth instead?
Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option for your bite and long-term oral health. Extraction and replacement typically cost more and require additional treatment.
What is recovery like after a root canal?
Most patients return to normal activities the next day. Mild soreness for a few days is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Get Relief and Save Your Tooth
Don’t let tooth pain linger. Call Greenwood Family Dentistry at (864) 229-7979 or request an appointment online to find out if root canal treatment is right for you.