Root Canals in Greenville, NC

Experienced Greenville Dentist

If you are experiencing throbbing tooth or jaw pain, you may need a root canal. A healthy tooth contains soft tissue at the center, filled with blood vessels and nerves. However, if this soft tissue becomes infected, the root of the tooth may need to be cleaned in order to remove the infection. If you are experiencing tooth pain and think you may require a root canal, our Greenville NC dentistry team can help.

At Bowman, Padgett and Associates, our full-service dental practice can address your oral hygiene needs. Our dentists have more than 50 years of combined experience treating patients in the Greenville area, and we are confident that we can help you as well. We understand that not everyone looks forward to dental visits, which is why we put patient comfort first and create dental plans tailored to your specific needs.

Call our dental office today at (252) 391-9333 to schedule a consultation.

About Root Canal Procedures

When a tooth becomes diseased or infected in the pulp, or the soft tissue, at the center of the tooth, a root canal may be required. Alternatively, the root may be extracted, but this may cause the surrounding teeth to shift and can lead to problems with chewing or biting. Rather than removing the tooth, dentists can perform a root canal to remove the infected parts of the tooth.

Your dentist will begin by creating an access point to the infected root canals. Next, the root canal will be cleaned and shaped and any infected areas will be removed. The area will then be sealed and filled with a safe dental material. The tooth will then be capped with a permanent crown to protect the filling.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal in Greenville

Several signs and symptoms may indicate the need for a root canal treatment. While it's essential to consult with our Greenville root canal dentist for a proper diagnosis, here are some common indicators that you might need a root canal:

1. Persistent Toothache: A persistent, throbbing toothache that lingers or worsens over time can be a sign of an infected or inflamed dental pulp inside the tooth. The pain may be severe and may worsen with biting or chewing.
2. Sensitivity to Temperature: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers even after the stimuli are removed could be an indication of nerve damage or infection within the tooth.
3. Tooth Discoloration: Discoloration of a specific tooth can be a sign of internal damage. The tooth may appear darker or have a grayish tint compared to the surrounding teeth.
4. Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling, tenderness, or the presence of a pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth can suggest an infection spreading from the tooth's roots to the surrounding tissues.
5. Gum Sensitivity: Inflamed or swollen gums around a specific tooth may indicate an infection or inflammation originating from the tooth's roots.
6. Tooth Mobility: If a tooth becomes loose or feels unstable, it could be a result of infection or damage to the supporting structures within the tooth.

It's important to note that these signs and symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms. A proper diagnosis by our dentist, through a clinical examination and potentially using diagnostic tools like X-rays, is crucial to confirm the need for a root canal treatment.

Let Our Dentist Help You

Living with tooth pain can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating. At Bowman, Padgett and Associates, we strive to help our patients and we are dedicated to providing dental services that alleviate pain and improve dental hygiene. In addition to root canal services, we also provide dental implants and laser gum treatments, as well as cosmetic dentistry. If you are in extreme pain, we even offer same-day dentistry for your convenience.

Contact Bowman, Padgett and Associates or call (252) 391-9333 today to improve your smile with the help of our Greenville root canal dentist.