Root Canals

Think of a root canal as a deeper filling. A root canal involves removing the tooth’s pulp, which houses the tooth’s blood vessels and nerve, and cleaning the chamber (inside of the tooth’s root). A tooth’s pulp may become infected or injured due to trauma, cracks or chips in the enamel, significant decay, or repeat dental treatments. You might need a root canal if your tooth has visible damage, is infected and causing severe pain, or you experience sensitivity to temperature changes in your mouth. Pain is usually associated with a tooth that needs a root canal. However, not all dental pain means that you require this procedure. You might need a root canal if you experience specific symptoms.

Do I need a root canal?

You might need a root canal if you experience the following symptoms:

• Toothache
• Facial swelling
• Significant tooth decay
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• Broken or chipped tooth
• Split or fractured tooth
• Pain when biting or chewing

While these symptoms may indicate the tooth’s nerve is compromised and requires a root canal, that may not be the case for every patient. Therefore, if you experience any of these symptoms, we suggest scheduling an appointment with Dr. Mohler. He can assess the condition of your tooth and provide a proper diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.

What is it like to get a root canal?

Getting a root canal is similar to getting a deep filling, except it takes longer. The procedure begins by making the area numb so that you remain comfortable. Dr. Mohler removes damaged areas and decay from the tooth. Then, he uses a special device to clean the inside of the tooth’s root, removing the pulp. The tooth’s chamber is thoroughly cleaned and then filled with a special filling material. The final step of the process is a dental crown, which may be completed at a later visit.

What happens next?

After your root canal, the tooth will need a dental crown because removing the pulp compromises the tooth’s structural integrity. A crown encases the entire exterior of a tooth, restoring the function and aesthetics. The tooth may be prepped the same day as the root canal, although some patients may elect to return at a later date for their dental crown procedure. When you return for your dental crown, Dr. Mohler uses CEREC technology to produce same-day crowns. This means saving time from having to make another appointment. After the root canal, the tooth should not cause you any more pain because the nerve and infection are gone.

Are root canals effective?

Root canals have approximately a 90% reliability rate, meaning the results are usually successful. However, if the tooth is too far gone or Dr. Mohler does not believe a root canal would not last long-term, he may recommend extracting the tooth and replacing it. We would like to remind patients that although root canals can be highly successful, they are not guaranteed in all cases. Sometimes, a tooth does not respond well to a root canal, and therefore, requires extraction. Additionally, there is no set time limit on how long a root canal may last. A tooth that has sustained a root canal may last a few years or a decade or longer due to the various factors that affect the long-term success of a root canal. It is up to the patient to decide whether a root canal is their treatment of choice. If the tooth is extracted, you can explore tooth replacement options like a dental bridge, partial dentures, or dental implant.

Root Canal in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Restorative dentistry can help preserve your oral health. However, it is essential to maintain an open dialog with Dr. Mohler regarding your dental health goals so that together, you can decide on the best treatment for you. If you think that you may benefit from a root canal or want to schedule a consultation, please contact Chris Mohler, DDS, by calling (843) 522-1442 or complete a Contact Form.