Root Canal Therapy

The innermost layer of the tooth is called the dental pulp. The pulp includes living connective tissue and cells, and the center of the tooth also contains the tooth nerve and blood vessels. When this area becomes damaged by decay or trauma, it may become infected. Common signs of tooth infection and damage include:

• Increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• Swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gum tissues
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
• Intense tooth pain, especially when biting down and chewing
• A persistent or recurring pimple on the nearby gums

If your tooth is severely damaged or infected, our dentist may recommend a treatment known as root canal therapy. During this treatment, Dr. Darrell Hayes carefully removes the infected tissues from the tooth, thoroughly sanitizes the tooth, and fills it with a medicated material. Finally, we cap the tooth with a restoration like a dental crown to protect it and to restore its structure. Root canal therapy helps to relieve pain caused by a tooth infection, prevents the infection from spreading to other healthy areas of your mouth, and helps us avoid the need for tooth extraction. For more information about getting a root canal in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, we welcome you to call or visit us today at iSmile Mathis Ferry Dentistry.