The root canal is the inner chamber of your tooth that holds nerves and blood vessels, also known as pulp. If bacteria spread into the pulp of your tooth, your root canal can get infected. Without treatment, this can result in severe pain and eventual tooth loss.
Thankfully, Dr. McCraw can eliminate your pain and save your tooth with root canal therapy.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Therapy
There are many common signs of a potential root canal infection. We recommend calling our office right away if you’re experiencing any of the following issues:
- Severe toothache
- Pain while chewing
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
- Discolored tooth
- Swollen or tender gums around the tooth
Our Root Canal Treatment Process
Before your procedure starts, Dr. McCraw will apply a local anesthetic to your infected tooth and the area around it, ensuring you don’t feel any pain. Once your tooth is numb, he’ll create a small opening and remove the infected tissue. Then, he’ll fill the empty chamber with a special dental resin that will help to guard against future infections.
After your tooth has been thoroughly cleaned and filled, Dr. McCraw will reseal it and place a customized porcelain crown on top. The crown will look natural and improve the strength of your tooth, helping to preserve the health and appearance of your smile for many years to come.
Visit McCraw Family Dentistry For Root Canal Therapy
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, you may have an infected root canal. You certainly don’t want to lose a tooth if you can avoid it, so better to be safe than sorry. Call our Mauldin practice at (864) 297-6432 and schedule a consultation with Dr. McCraw today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Should my tooth hurt a week after the procedure?
What is a hot tooth?
Can root canal therapy cause headaches?
How long does root canal therapy take?
Does root canal therapy hurt?
Many patients avoid root canal therapy under the impression that it’s painful. In reality, the procedure will only cause mild discomfort, or none at all. Rest assured, Dr. McCraw will use a local anesthetic to numb your tooth before the procedure so you don’t feel anything. In fact, avoiding treatment for your infection will result in far more pain.
Should my tooth hurt a week after the procedure?
It’s normal to feel mild discomfort after a root canal treatment, but this should fade within a few days at the most. In most cases, patients recover quickly and can manage any pain with over-the-counter medications.
If your tooth still hurts a week after the procedure, this may be a sign that the treatment wasn’t successful. Call us right away if you’re experiencing this, or any other unusual symptoms.
What is a hot tooth?
When plaque is allowed to build up in your teeth, it can erode the enamel and expose your underlying nerve tissues. This can result in a heightened sensitivity to hot and cold when you’re eating or drinking, commonly known as a hot tooth.
Can root canal therapy cause headaches?
Headaches are not an expected symptom of root canal therapy. If you’re suffering from recurring headaches, this likely means that your tooth has been re-infected or there was a mistake during your procedure. Call our practice right away if this happens to you.
How long does root canal therapy take?
In most cases, Dr. McCraw can complete your root canal treatment in a single appointment. These visits typically last anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your case. If you’re getting multiple teeth treated, you’ll likely need to schedule more than one appointment.