What Is A Root Canal?

Dental pulp is the part of your tooth that is alive. Located in the center of a tooth, the pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels that feed your tooth nutrients and keep it healthy. When the pulp of a tooth is badly infected or damaged, a root canal in the Hilton Head and Bluffton area at Old Moreland Dental may be the dental procedure that could save your tooth. Once a tooth is fully developed, it can survive without its pulp. Infected dental pulp is often very painful. Removing the pulp could relieve this pain and allow you to keep your tooth. 

a woman smiling in the sun after getting a root canal in Hilton Head and Bluffton

Do I Need A Root Canal?

If your tooth is infected, you are likely to notice certain symptoms. Dr. Solomon will always use dental X-rays to confirm that the pulp of your tooth has been damaged and that a root canal is required. Signs that you may need a root canal include:

  • Swollen gums or a swollen jaw
  • Severe pain that doesn’t go away
  • Sensitivity to heat and cold
  • A chipped or cracked tooth
  • Tooth discoloration

Get The Quality Dental Care You Deserve At Old Moreland Dental in Hilton Head and Bluffton

At Old Moreland Dental we understand that you may have had previous bad experiences and may be apprehensive about dental care. Our team is warm, friendly, and interested in you, and we care about you as a person. We make every effort to make your experience comfortable and smooth. Dr. Solomon has been practicing for over 15 years and specializes in high end cosmetic dentistry. At Old Moreland Dental, we cover all your dental care needs, from preventative care to Invisalign and restorative procedures such as bridges, crowns, and fillings. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your root canal in Bluffton and Hilton Head

A Safe And Effective Treatment To Remove The Source Of Your Toothache

Root canals are considered safe and effective and have a success rate of up to 98%. One of the main benefits of a root canal is that it removes the cause of your pain or discomfort while retaining your natural tooth. Saving your natural tooth is always preferable to extraction. Benefits of a root canal include:

  • The procedure is virtually painless
  • You get to keep your tooth and retain your natural smile
  • The procedure is cost-efficient
  • Infection will be prevented from spreading to neighboring teeth
  • The cause of the pain is removed at its source 
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Root Canal Procedure In Bluffton

Before beginning your root canal in Hilton Head and Bluffton, Dr. Solomon will take dental X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and ensure that this is the best treatment option for you. Next, he will administer your local anesthesia. Once this has taken effect, Dr. Solomon will make a small opening in the crown of your tooth. Using small dental instruments, he will remove the infected pulp through the opening in the crown. After cleaning, disinfecting, and shaping the area, he will fill the empty canals with a special material. Lastly, a temporary filling will be placed to seal the tooth. 

a man smiling after getting a root canal in Bluffton and Hilton Head

Will It Hurt?

Many patients worry that root canal therapy will be painful. However, as the source of the infection is removed during a root canal, you are likely to experience immediate relief after your procedure. As you will be given anesthesia during the treatment, your root canal shouldn’t be more uncomfortable than any other regular dental procedure such as getting a cavity filled. You are likely to experience some soreness or numbness for a few days following your procedure. Any pain or discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Most patients can go right back to their daily activities. 

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Your Second Appointment

In most cases, a second appointment will be required to complete the procedure. About two weeks after your first appointment, you will come in to see Dr. Solomon again to check on how your tooth is healing post root canal procedure in Bluffton and Hilton Head. He will remove your temporary filling and place a crown on your tooth to protect it. A root canal is a one-time procedure and will usually last a lifetime. 

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