Root Canal Therapy in Summerville, SC

A throbbing toothache that keeps you up at night, sharp pain when you bite, or lingering sensitivity after a hot drink can all mean the nerve inside a tooth is inflamed or infected. That infection will not heal on its own. Left alone, it can spread into the jawbone, form an abscess, and eventually cost you the tooth. The good news is that root canal therapy can stop the pain and save the tooth, and with modern anesthetic it usually feels much like getting a filling.

At Old Trolley Dental Associates, root canal therapy is part of our restorative dentistry in Summerville, SC, and we handle your care from diagnosis through the final crown in one office. Dr. Michael Skovira completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina with extensive training in complex restorative treatment. Dr. Scott Kibler has practiced in Summerville since 2006 and is a member of the Seattle Study Club and the Academy of General Dentistry.

What a Root Canal Is

Inside every tooth is a soft core called the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels and runs through narrow channels in the roots called root canals. When deep decay, a crack, an injury, or repeated dental work lets bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes inflamed or infected. Root canal therapy removes that damaged pulp, disinfects the canals, and seals them so bacteria cannot return. Your tooth stays in place and, once it is restored, keeps working like any other tooth.

It is one of the most common procedures in dentistry. According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 15 million teeth are treated and saved with root canals each year.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Some infected teeth cause obvious pain, while others show up only on an X-ray. These are the most common warning signs.

If you notice any of these, call us for an exam. Treating an infected tooth early gives it the best chance of being saved.

What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment

Most root canals are completed in one or two visits of about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the tooth and how many canals it has. Before we begin, our 3D cone beam imaging can map the shape of the roots and canals for a more precise treatment.

Most patients are surprised by how manageable the experience is. You should feel pressure and vibration, not pain. If you tend to feel anxious at the dentist, let us know so we can take breaks and talk you through each step. For patients who want a more relaxed experience, sedation dentistry is available. Oral sedation is safe and effective, and can make a meaningful difference in how you feel during the appointment.

Root Canal or Extraction

Pulling an infected tooth can seem simpler, but it usually leads to more treatment later. Keeping your natural tooth protects your bite and the bone around it. Here is how the two options compare.

Sometimes a tooth is too cracked or broken down to save. In that case, a tooth extraction is the healthier choice, and we will plan a replacement with you.

Recovery and Aftercare

Mild soreness for a few days is normal as the tissue around the tooth settles, and it usually eases with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people return to work or school the next day. Until your permanent crown is placed, the tooth is more fragile, so a little extra care goes a long way.

• Wait until the numbness wears off before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue
• Chew on the other side and choose softer foods until the tooth is fully restored
• Brush and floss normally, being gentle around the treated tooth
• Take any medication exactly as directed
• Call us if pain gets worse, swelling returns, or your bite feels uneven

Once the tooth is restored with a dental crown, you can care for it like any other tooth with brushing, flossing, and regular checkups. Healthy gums matter too, and if you also have gum problems, gum disease treatment can help protect the restored tooth long-term.

Root Canal Cost and Insurance

The cost of a root canal depends mainly on the tooth. Front teeth usually have one canal, while molars can have three or more, which takes more time. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of root canal therapy and the crown that follows. We accept many PPO plans, including Aetna, Ameritas, Cigna, Delta Dental PPO, Guardian, United Concordia, and UnitedHealthcare, and we will review your estimate before treatment. Our financing options, including CareCredit and Cherry, can help spread out the rest.

What to Do If You Have a Severe Toothache

Call our office as soon as possible, and if you are in pain, use our emergency line at 843-960-0389 so we can see you quickly. Until then, rinse with warm salt water, take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label, and hold a cold compress against your cheek. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and chewing on that side. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, since it can burn the tissue. If you have facial swelling that is spreading, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care right away.

Root Canal FAQs

Here are answers to the questions patients ask us most often about root canal therapy.

Save Your Tooth at Old Trolley Dental Associates

Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira bring decades of combined experience, advanced training through the Medical University of South Carolina, and in-office technology like 3D imaging and CEREC same-day crowns to every root canal case. Our Summerville practice has earned over 1000 five-star reviews, and your treatment and final restoration are completed by the same doctors under one roof. You can meet our doctors before your visit.

If a tooth has been hurting or you have been told you may need a root canal, the sooner it is treated, the better the tooth’s chances. Contact Old Trolley Dental Associates or call 843-376-6929 to schedule your root canal consultation in Summerville, SC.