Root Canal Therapy

‍Get Out Of Pain With Root Canal Therapy

Return To Your Routine And Enjoy Peace Of Mind, Too

Despite its reputation in pop culture, root canal therapy is the best way to eliminate tooth infections, restore your tooth, and get your oral health back on track. At Everything Dental, Dr. Lawrence Fischer provides expert endodontic care and root canal therapy in Charleston, SC.

With Dr. Fischer’s expertise and the advanced technology at Everything Dental on your side, you can eliminate your tooth infection, prevent complications, and get the best possible outcome. And with our friendly staff and sedation options available, we make it easy to get the endodontic treatment you need for a healthy smile.

What Is A Root Canal, And Why Would I Need One?

Short for “root canal therapy,” a root canal is a treatment that’s used to eliminate tooth infections and restore your tooth. Tooth infections happen when the outer layers of the tooth are compromised, which exposes the vulnerable “pulp” inside the tooth to oral bacteria.

This can happen due to advanced tooth decay, dental trauma, worn-down teeth, and a variety of other factors. Once the pulp is exposed to the bacteria in your mouth, it will become infected. As bacteria attack the pulp, it will begin to die.

This causes serious pain and will typically result in tooth loss if left untreated. But with a root canal, Dr. Fischer can open up the tooth, remove the infected tooth material, and then fill and cap the tooth to protect it from further damage.

Not only will a root canal provide you with relief from the pain and discomfort of your tooth infection, but it also eliminates the need for a tooth extraction and allows you to keep your natural tooth for years or even decades to come.

The benefits of root canal therapy

• Eliminate the source of the infection and prevent it from spreading
• Get relief from pain, discomfort, and tooth sensitivity
• Avoid the need for tooth extraction and other complex procedures
• Enjoy a seamless restoration with a tooth-colored porcelain crown
• Protect and preserve your tooth for years to come

Recognizing The Signs Of An Infected Tooth

• Tooth pain and sensitivity – As the infection worsens, you may notice serious throbbing pain or extreme sensitivity to heat, cold, and the pressure of chewing.
• Inflamed, discolored gums – Bacteria buildup within the tooth can spread to the gums, causing inflammation and discoloration in the nearby gum tissue.
• A dark or discolored tooth – For more serious infections, you may see a visible brown, gray, or black discoloration within your tooth.
• Bad breath or a nasty taste in your mouth – Bacteria buildup leads to bad breath (halitosis), and pus discharge can cause a foul taste in your mouth.
  
• Fever and facial swelling – These are signs of a very advanced infection. If you are running a fever and your face, jaw, or neck is swelling, you need to see an emergency dentist ASAP.

What To Expect From The Root Canal Procedure

Initial consultation

First, you’ll come in for a visit with Dr. Fischer. He will perform an oral exam and take X-rays of your tooth to determine the extent of the infection and decide whether or not you’re a good candidate for root canal therapy. As a conservative dentist, Dr. Fischer will always recommend saving your natural tooth whenever it’s possible to do so.

Numbing and sedation

Depending on your case, you may get a root canal immediately, or you may need to schedule a separate visit. At this visit, Dr. Fischer will begin by cleaning and numbing the treatment area. We also offer oral conscious sedation to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during your visit at Everything Dental.

Cleaning up your tooth

Once Dr. Fischer is done preparing your tooth, he will create a small opening in the tooth with a dental drill. Then, he will use special tools to clean out infected pulp and material from inside your tooth. After this, he will flush your tooth with a disinfectant solution to remove any lingering bacteria that may be present.

Filling your tooth

Once he has sanitized it, Dr. Fischer will fill your tooth with an inert, rubber-like substance called “gutta-percha.” This replaces the now-missing pulp, strengthening the tooth from the inside and ensuring that it can stand up to the forces of biting, chewing, and smiling.

Temporary filling or crown placement

Lastly, Dr. Fischer will place a temporary filling or crown on top of your tooth. This protects the tooth until you can have a permanent porcelain crown designed and placed on top of your tooth. You’ll need to schedule a separate visit for your crown fitting.

Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Fischer Today

If you’re suffering from a toothache and think you may need a root canal in Charleston, SC, Dr. Lawrence Fischer and the team at Everything Dental are here to help. Thanks to Dr. Fischer’s years of experience, our investments in advanced technology, and our dedication to patient-first care, you’ll be able to get truly exceptional care. Give us a call at (843) 471-1677 or contact us online to book your first visit with Dr. Fischer right away.