Root Canal and Extractions

Greenville, SC

Root Canal and Tooth Extraction Services

At Nickles Dental Oral Surgery and Family Dentistry, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy smile. Our specialized root canal and tooth extraction services in the Upstate SC area are designed to address serious dental issues and alleviate pain. We're committed to providing comprehensive care that focuses on preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.

Understanding the Pulp Chamber

The pulp is located in the center of each tooth and contains blood vessels, nerves, and living tissues. Cavities, cracks, and gum disease can allow bacteria to infect the pulp, leading to inflammation and bacterial growth. If left untreated, abscesses may form in the roots, causing serious complications.

Complications of an Infected Pulp

• Gum swelling that can spread to the face, neck, or head
• Bone recession near the roots, affecting facial structure
• Cysts or abscesses in the jaw
• Potentially life-threatening infections

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal therapy involves the removal of diseased or dead pulp from inside the tooth. Once the infected tissue is cleared, the pulp chamber is disinfected and filled with an inert material to prevent further infection. This procedure preserves the natural tooth and helps avoid the need for extraction.

Don't let dental pain affect your quality of life. ContactNickles Dental today to explore your treatment options.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Understanding when you need a root canal or tooth extraction is crucial for maintaining oral health. At Nickles Dental, we educate our patients on the signs that may indicate the need for these procedures.

Here are some key indicators that you need a root canal:

• Sharp, intermittent toothache
• Throbbing or shooting pain extending to the ear or head
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swelling in the gums, face, or neck
• Persistent drainage (pus) from the tooth
• Tooth discoloration

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to consult with the experts at Nickles Dental. We're here to provide prompt, compassionate care.

Root Canal Procedure

Here is a list of our root canal procedure plan:

1. Anesthesia injection

• Radiography is used to assess root canals and surrounding tissues
• Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area

2. Rubber dam placement

• Isolates the tooth to maintain a sterile environment
• Prevents saliva and chemicals from entering the mouth

3. Pulpectomy

• Access to the pulp chamber is created
• Infected pulp removed using canal files
• Canals cleaned and disinfected

4. Filling

• Canals reshaped and filled with gutta-percha
• Temporary filling placed to seal the exterior

5. Final restoration

• If significant tooth structure is lost, a crown is placed
• Crown restores strength, function, and appearance

6. Root canal aftercare

• Avoid chewing hard foods for a few days
• Take all prescribed medications
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent future issues
• Wait for anesthesia to wear off before consuming hot foods or drinks

Don't wait until it's too late. Reach out to Nickles Dental for care that puts your health first.

When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?

Tooth extraction is essential when minor decay, cavities, or fractures may be treated with a filling, crown, or root canal. Extraction is performed when the tooth is damaged beyond repair.

Common reasons for extraction:

• Gum disease: periodontitis causes abscesses and bone loss, weakening tooth support
  
• Orthodontic preparation: teeth may be removed to correct crowding and align the bite
  
• Wisdom teeth: extracted when there is no space, causing crowding or damage
  
• Impacted wisdom teeth: surgically removed when they fail to erupt and cause infections
  
• Primary teeth in children: removed when they don’t fall out in time for permanent teeth

Tooth extraction procedure:

• Non-surgical extraction
  
• Performed when the tooth is fully erupted and visible
  
• Done under local anesthesia with oral sedation
  
• Painless and straightforward

Surgical Extraction

Surgical extraction is required for impacted teeth, broken teeth at the gumline, or severely decayed teeth. It is also performed under local anesthesia with oral sedation. The surgical process is painless but more complex.

Aftercare instructions:

• Bite on a gauze pack to control bleeding
  
• Avoid hot foods or drinks until anesthesia wears off
  
• Eat soft foods and fluids to protect the clot
  
• Do not use straws for several days
  
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid disturbing the clot
  
• Take prescribed medications as directed
  
• Avoid smoking and alcohol to support healing

Exceptional Care at Nickles Dental

When you choose Nickles Dental for your root canal or tooth extraction needs, you're opting for superior care backed by decades of experience. Our approach is centered on your comfort and well-being.

Here's what sets us apart:

• Over 30 years of dental experience
• Same-day emergency appointments
• Comprehensive in-house treatments
• Personalized care plans
• Family-oriented practice
• Bilingual staff (English and Spanish)
• Flexible insurance options
• Local, trusted dental care

Experience the difference in patient-centered dental care. Contact Nickles Dental today to schedule your consultation.

Take the First Step Towards Dental Health

Your journey to optimal dental health begins with a single step. At Nickles Dental, we're ready to guide you through every stage of your treatment, from initial consultation to full recovery. Our team is committed to providing the highest standard of care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Whether you need a root canal, tooth extraction, or simply want to discuss your dental health concerns, we're here to help. Don't let dental issues hold you back any longer. Reachoutto us at Nickles Dental and let us restore your smile and confidence.