Is a root canal painful?

Local anesthesia is used for a root canal procedure to ensure you don’t feel any pain. Sedation options are available to make you feel more relaxed if necessary. If you experience any discomfort following your procedure, over the counter pain medication should be sufficient.

How long does a root canal take?

People tend to assume that a root canal is a long procedure, but the length is about the same as a cavity filling. You can expect your entire time in the dental chair to be between 60 and 90 minutes on average.

Does insurance cover root canals?

Most dental insurance plans cover root canals because it is a standard procedure. The best way to find out for sure is to contact your insurance provider and inquire about your coverage.

What is the success rate of root canals?

The success rate of a root canal is between 80-95%. You can increase the chances that a root canal will provide lasting results by practicing good oral hygiene habits and going to the dentist every 6 months for routine cleanings and exams.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

In most cases a crown is placed over the tooth following a root canal procedure to reinforce the tooth. The natural tooth is often too decayed or damaged to be saved by a filling alone once a root canal is needed.

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Root Canal Therapy in Ladys Island

Sea Island Dentistry provides root canal therapy in Ladys Island, South Carolina. To learn more, call 843-271-6353 today or request an appointment.

What is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure that is done to restore a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged to the point where the inside of the tooth is infected or in danger of infection. The inside of a tooth is called the root canal, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissue. When a tooth is severely decayed or damaged to the point where the inside of the tooth may be affected, a root canal procedure may need to be performed.

During a root canal procedure a small hole is made in the crown of the tooth to access the inside of the tooth. The pulp is completely removed, the root canal is flushed out, and the tooth is filled with composite material. In most cases a crown will be placed over the tooth to reinforce it after a root canal.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

There are many benefits of root canal therapy:

Treat infection. If you have an infected tooth a root canal can treat it by removing the infected tissue and cleaning out the bacteria.

Prevent infection. Once the pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is filled with composite material, the tooth is less likely to get infected.

Relieve and prevent pain. An infected tooth can be extremely painful. Once a root canal has been done the nerves are removed and you won’t feel any more pain. If a root canal is done proactively you can avoid pain altogether.

Save the natural tooth. If root canal therapy is successful the natural tooth will be saved and it can remain in place in your mouth, functioning like a healthy tooth.

Are You a Good Candidate for Root Canal Therapy?

If you have a cavity that has reached through the enamel to the dentin or the root canal, you are likely a good candidate for a root canal. The procedure could prevent the tooth from getting infected and causing you pain. You may also be a good candidate for a root canal if you have a severe toothache, which indicates that there is an infection or inflammation that is affecting the nerves inside your tooth. Another indication that a root canal is needed is if you have a tooth that is gray or discolored, which suggests that the inside of the tooth is damaged in some way.

Why Choose Sea Island Dentistry?

For a root canal to be successful, it must be carefully and precisely performed. Our dentists are highly skilled and experienced at performing root canal procedures. We are careful to clean out all of the canals inside of the tooth and fill them completely to prevent reinfection. Repeat root canals can be necessary in rare cases, but we make every effort to help you avoid it.

A root canal procedure can be performed with just local anesthesia, but if you are anxious or nervous, we provide sedation options to help you relax and have a more comfortable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about root canal therapy, call 843-271-6353 today or request a consultation.

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