843.428.8734 Menu
843.428.8734 Menu

There are many potential causes for a toothache, but severe tooth pain may indicate advanced decay that calls for a prompt visit to the dentist. If decay has advanced to the inner portions of the tooth, it will likely need root canal therapy. A root canal can provide several benefits, including to preserve a tooth that might otherwise require extraction. The treated tooth is often restored with a dental crown, which Dr. Rink can provide in the same appointment.

What is a root canal?

Below your gum line, the roots of your teeth perform an important function, connecting the teeth with a blood supply that removes toxins and provides essential nutrients. The root canal is the center of the tooth roots, containing nerves and blood vessels that extend to the soft center of the tooth, called the pulp chamber.

Doctor with a patient

A deep cavity, fracture, or trauma to a tooth can lead to bacterial infection in the pulp chamber. Symptoms may include severe toothache, swelling in the gums, prolonged sensitivity to heat and cold, and discoloration of the tooth. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, the sooner you see Dr. Rink for an examination, the better. Left untreated, infection can lead to the eventual loss of the tooth. Early intervention with root canal therapy can eliminate the need for extraction and save the tooth.

What are the top benefits of a root canal?

  • Stops infection from spreading to other teeth
  • Achieves an aesthetically pleasing result
  • Helps preserve dental function
  • Prevents jawbone disintegration
  • Promotes overall oral health

What can I expect from my treatment?

After your initial exam and x-rays, Dr. Rink’s priority is to make you comfortable. He offers several options to keep anxious patients relaxed, including oral sedation and nitrous oxide. Many root canal patients are comfortable with just a numbing solution, reporting little to no pain during the procedure. Dr. Rink has years of experience performing successful root canal therapy, and his patients are in capable hands.

The first step in the process is the removal of infected pulp from within the tooth and its roots, as well as any decay in the outer portion of the tooth. The emptied pulp chamber is sterilized and subsequently filled with a biologically inert substance before it is sealed to prevent further infection. In many cases, a dental crown completes the process, restoring full strength and function to the weakened tooth. Once your dental crown is in place, you can go home and begin your root canal recovery.

What are CEREC same-day crowns?

Using advanced dental technology, Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry provides patients with ceramic crown restorations created in our in-house lab. With this convenient process, root canal patients receive treatment and a custom crown restoration in the same appointment. 

Our CEREC system uses computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technology to create your dental crown while you wait. Your digitally shade-matched crown will blend beautifully with surrounding teeth, and protect the treated tooth from further damage.

Why choose Dr. Rink in Charleston for a root canal?

Dr. Rink provides the full range of dental services from cosmetic to general dentistry, supplying aesthetically beautiful porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, implants and other prosthetics. His office is outfitted with the latest advanced technology including CEREC same-day restorations, cosmetic digital imaging and sedation dentistry. Patients enjoy soothing essential oils, warm blankets, and towels, all of which make the Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry more like a second home than a doctor's office.

Join Our Newsletter!

© 2020 Charleston Center for Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry. All rights reserved. Website Designed & by Studio 3 Marketing

Privacy Policy

Contact Us

Contact Us

843.428.8734