Root Canals in Duncan SC
Root Canals are most commonly needed when a deep filling falls out, or a large cavity severely damages the tooth. The damaged tissue within the root of the tooth must be removed, and the inside of the root canals cleaned and shaped to prepare them for a filling. We have many successful root canal treatments here at Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. A root canal is a procedure that can save your teeth by removing dead or dying tissue from the inside of the tooth and repairing it with filling material, cement, or (most recently) resin. It can be done for several reasons, including:
- To relieve the pain of an infected tooth
- To prevent or save a badly decayed or damaged tooth that cannot have a filling placed in it
- To avoid the development of an abscess or cyst in the jawbone
- To keep a tooth from failing when it is needed for support
Many people fear that root canal treatment can result in pain afterward or that it will affect their natural teeth. However, our statistics show that more than 9 out of 10 patients who have had this procedure with us are satisfied with the results and experience little to no discomfort afterward. Do you think you need a root canal treatment? Let our experts examine your teeth and provide you with the best recommendations!
What to Expect from a Root Canal?
Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is a team of qualified dentists with years of experience in root canal treatment. When you visit our clinic, here are the things that you can expect: To perform a root canal treatment, our dentist begins by numbing an area near the tooth to be treated. Then using a special microscopically controlled drill and very small files, we remove the injured or diseased pulp from the tooth and clean out all of the infection. Next, a rubber-like material called gutta-percha is used to fill up and seal off any canals left behind after removing the infection. Finally, a filling is placed over the top of this material to restore strength and support to the tooth.
After a root canal treatment, there is some discomfort for a couple of days. Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen should be used to help with any pain relief. It is also essential to follow proper oral hygiene procedures and maintain good chewing habits so that an infection does not set in behind the tooth where it was treated. Our dentists understand that you want to save the natural teeth that you work so hard at taking care of for as long as possible. That’s why we always make sure to provide correct root canal treatment to help you reach this goal. Call us before it’s too late and requires a dental implant or an extraction!

Root Canals vs. Extractions
A visit to the dentist can be daunting, especially if you’ve been told that you need a root canal or an extraction. Both procedures are intended to rid the tooth of infection, but they vary in approach and result. An extraction is simply removing the entire tooth structure, including the crown (the visible part above the gum), plus its roots. A tooth is difficult to clean thoroughly because its roots are usually held tight within the root canals of the jawbone. Thus, if an infection penetrates these root canals, it’s often easier to take out the entire tooth and start again. A root canal or endodontic treatment involves much more than simply removing the crown. The dentist drills into the tooth to remove infected and dying tissue. Then, the canals that run through the center of each root are cleaned and filled with a biocompatible rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This “seals” off each canal so no disease-causing microorganisms can enter and multiply, causing further infection.
It is important to note that crowns can be placed immediately after the root canal process, or they could wait until the tooth has fully healed (which might take many months). This decision depends on whether there’s enough of the tooth left and how much support it will need. If any teeth adjacent to the one needing a root canal are likely to be removed, our dentist might choose to place a crown immediately for extra support. Root canals are performed by removing the damaged tissue from beneath the gum line and replacing it with artificial material to keep bacteria out of your body. When this is done, the tooth will be saved long term. If you don’t get treatment for an infection in your tooth’s roots, you’ll need to have the tooth extracted.
How Do You Avoid A Root Canal?
A root canal is a popular treatment because it effectively resolves tooth infections and prevents new ones from forming. In addition, it saves the tooth from extraction and makes it more aesthetically pleasing. However, it does require some drilling into the tooth, so that it may be more costly than an extraction. To avoid having a root canal, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once during the day. Your dentist will also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash each time you brush your teeth. This will help kill bacteria that might linger in your mouth after eating or drinking.
It will help if you visit the dentist every six months to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy and free of infection. When you visit your dentist for a checkup, they’ll examine the health of your gums and will look at whether or not you need a deep cleaning. If they find that an infection has spread too deep into the roots of your teeth, you’ll need to have a root canal. Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is just around the corner if you’re unsure about the status of your dental health. Call us or use our online form to schedule an appointment with our dentists.
How Do You Avoid A Root Canal?
A root canal is a popular treatment because it effectively resolves tooth infections and prevents new ones from forming. In addition, it saves the tooth from extraction and makes it more aesthetically pleasing. However, it does require some drilling into the tooth, so that it may be more costly than an extraction. To avoid having a root canal, you should brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once during the day. Your dentist will also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash each time you brush your teeth. This will help kill bacteria that might linger in your mouth after eating or drinking.
It will help if you visit the dentist every six months to ensure that your gums and teeth are healthy and free of infection. When you visit your dentist for a checkup, they’ll examine the health of your gums and will look at whether or not you need a deep cleaning. If they find that an infection has spread too deep into the roots of your teeth, you’ll need to have a root canal. Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is just around the corner if you’re unsure about the status of your dental health. Call us or use our online form to schedule an appointment with our dentists.
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Oral diseases affect more than 3 billion. Untreated dental disease causes tooth decay, the most common disease on earth. Filling and treatment of cavities helps prevent infections. Imagine that cavities are just an open space in your teeth. Bacteria causes decay that could damage some parts of teeth in an instant. The drilled cavity is likely the breeding ground for these viruses if there’s no treatment for them. When the bacterium spreads, it can damage teeth. Immediately prior to your appointment, you must set aside half an hour. Your hygienist may require X-rays.