Root Canal to the Rescue: Columbia’s Path to a Pain-Free Smile Revealed

If you’ve been experiencing tooth sensitivity, swelling around the tooth, or tooth pain that won’t go away, then “root” and “canal” are probably the last two words you want to hear during your dentist appointment.

Unfortunately, sometimes a root canal is necessary and sometimes you won’t have another choice.

But don’t worry – root canals are quite the routine procedure for most dentists in Columbia, SC. 

In fact, the American Association of Endodontists estimates that roughly 15 million root canal procedures are performed every year and nearly 12% of U.S. adults have undergone one at some point in their life. 

And not only is it common, but it’s very predictable – with success rates ranging from 86% to 98%.

So, while root canal therapy might leave you feeling anxious or scared, you can rest easy knowing that your dental team at Soda City Dentistry is properly equipped and prepared to handle any emergency.

A Root Awakening: Is Your Tooth Trying to Tell You Something?

Due to the urgency of the situation and the pain involved, most root canals are considered emergency procedures – and, if you were to ask us, that’s exactly how you and your Soda City dentist should treat it. 

Of course, that means understanding when your tooth is trying to tell you something – and when it’s not!

For example, severe pain is one of the most obvious warning signs that your tooth might be infected. And if it is, then a root canal might be the best way to preserve and protect it – in hopes of avoiding extraction. 

With that said, here are some other common warning signs that you might need root canal therapy: 

• Inflammation or swelling of the gums
• Sensitivity to cold and/or hot temperatures
• Pain while chewing or talking
• Pus around your tooth
• Throbbing in your mouth or jaw
• Darkening of the affected tooth
• A pimple-like bump on your gums

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist ASAP to ensure the pain and discomfort doesn’t worsen. Early intervention can prevent the infection from spreading and save the tooth.

Before, During, & After: What to Expect From a Root Canal

Root canal therapy is a type of endodontic treatment, which means it treats the inside of the tooth – more specifically, it’s used to treat an infected or damaged tooth from wreaking even more havoc in the mouth. 

In most cases, the procedure can be broken down into five main steps: 

1. Analyze and assess the tooth infection or damage
2. Removing the infected or damaged soft tissue
3. Cleaning and disinfecting the root canal
4. Sealing the tooth with a root canal filling
5. Capping off the natural tooth with a dental crown (if needed)

Root canals are generally performed to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. Despite their reputation, modern root canal procedures are no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling. 

To relieve you of any surprises come root canal day, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect!

Before We Begin

Before undergoing a root canal, we must first confirm that the dental procedure is necessary – which is done through a series of examinations and tests to assess the infection and how much damage there is. 

Here’s what you can expect during this stage: 

• Going over your medical history and symptoms
• A physical examination of your mouth and teeth
• X-rays for a clear image of the tooth's internal structures
• A thermal test helps us assess tooth sensitivity
• An electric pulp test (EPT) to further assess tooth health
• In some cases, a CT scan might be necessary (albeit rare)

If these diagnostic steps indicate pulp damage or infection, we’ll likely recommend a root canal to save the tooth. And if you’re not a candidate for a root canal, then we’ll find you a newer, much safer treatment. 

During Treatment

On root canal day, you’ll arrive for your appointment and we’ll immediately begin preparation – and yes, that does include local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area and relieve pain or discomfort.

Once the mouth is numb, Dr. Rob Guerriero and his team go to work. 

1. First, we drill a small hole in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
2. Next, we remove the infected or dead pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. 
3. We then flush the canals with a disinfectant to remove debris, bacteria, and pulp tissue. 
4. The canals are then carefully shaped with files to ensure they are ready to be filled. 
5. Once dried, we fill the canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
6. The initial appointment concludes with a temporary filling or dental crown to seal the tooth. 

In a follow-up appointment, your temporary filling is removed, and the tooth is restored with a permanent filling or dental crown – which helps protect the tooth, restore its function, and prevent future damage. 

Aftercare & Recovery

When most people picture the recovery process for a root canal, they think about those viral videos of people saying and doing crazy things as they come down from the anesthesia – but don’t worry. 

That’s what some people experience with wisdom tooth removal, but not root canal therapy. 

While it’s normal to be numb for several hours after your procedure, it won’t completely limit your ability to function normally and most people will return to work or school later that day – but first get some rest!

Some mild discomfort or soreness around the treated tooth, as well as some swelling and sensitivity, is common once the anesthesia wears off, but this gradually wears off over the next few days (or week). 

Here are some other things to keep in mind as you recover from the root canal procedure: 

• Post-procedure pain is typically managed with OTC medication
• Avoid hard or crunchy foods and opt for softer, gentler food options
• Continue brushing and flossing as usual, but be gentle
• Until the tooth has a permanent filling or crown placed, avoid chewing on that side
• Since the procedure can be traumatic to some people, take it easy and get some rest

If you have continued or increasing pain in the days or weeks following the procedure, or if you notice any swelling, then don’t hesitate to contact us so we can take a closer look and determine a treatment plan. 

Soda City Dentistry: A Top-Rated Dental Office in Columbia, SC

Are you experiencing severe or persistent pain in or around your tooth? Do your teeth hurt everytime you chew, or while you’re talking? Are the gums surrounding your tooth starting to swell? Do you need help? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then don’t panic – you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Soda City Dentistry, where the Colubmia, SC community goes for a pain-free smile. 

Experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity can be more than just a minor inconvenience. It could be a sign of a deeper issue that requires prompt attention – and ignoring it will only continue to worsen the symptoms. 

Don’t let fear or uncertainty keep you from getting the relief you deserve. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rob Guerrero today, and let us help preserve your smile with the highest level of expertise and care.

‍You can call us at (803)-794-5430 or book an appointment online – we can’t wait to meet you!