Persistent throbbing or sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers often means the nerve inside the tooth is infected or inflamed. Smile Center Dentistry uses digital X-rays and, when needed, an apex locator to treat the canal precisely.
We use imaging to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment, not just responding to reported pain. We'd rather take an extra ten minutes with the apex locator than leave canal length to a guess.
An apex locator helps measure canal length precisely during treatment, reducing guesswork. We'd rather over-image than under-treat a tooth that could still be saved.
We check numbness thoroughly before starting, not just assume the injection worked. If you're still feeling anything, we pause and address it before continuing.
Infected or badly decayed teeth don't wait well, so we prioritize root canal cases for same-week scheduling. Same-week availability applies whether you're a longtime patient or calling us for the first time.
We discuss whether a crown is needed after treatment at your very first visit, not as a surprise afterward. Skipping a needed crown is one of the most common reasons a treated tooth fails later.
Here's what's typically involved once imaging confirms treatment is needed.
Digital X-rays and cold/heat sensitivity testing confirm whether the nerve is infected or just inflamed. This step alone often explains pain patients couldn't previously identify.
An apex locator helps confirm exact canal length, reducing the chance of under- or over-treatment. This is the core of the procedure and where precision matters most.
The cleaned canal is filled with a biocompatible material and sealed to prevent reinfection. We confirm the seal with a follow-up X-ray before moving to restoration.
For teeth with significant structure loss, a post-and-core buildup provides a foundation for the final crown. This step is planned before crown placement, not decided last minute.
We schedule crown placement as part of your treatment plan from the start, not as a separate afterthought. Material options are discussed based on which tooth and how much force it takes when chewing.
Retreatment involves reopening the tooth, cleaning it again, and resealing — more involved than the original procedure. We explain honestly whether your specific tooth is still a good save candidate.
Call +1-866-227-2801 and describe the pain — lingering sensitivity, swelling, or throbbing all point us toward the right exam.
Digital X-rays and sensitivity testing confirm whether the nerve is involved and treatment is needed.
The canal is cleaned, shaped, and filled under local anesthesia, typically in one to two visits.
We schedule the follow-up before you leave, so nothing falls through the cracks.
"They showed me the X-ray and explained exactly why a filling wouldn't be enough. Made the decision easy."
"Crown discussion happened at the first visit, not as a surprise bill after the root canal was already done."
"Two visits total — cleaning and shaping first, crown fitted a couple weeks later. Tooth feels completely normal now."
"Pain was gone within a day of treatment. Wish I hadn't waited so long to call."
"Pulp testing before treatment confirmed exactly what was going on. No guessing involved."
Lingering pain to hot or cold, especially if it wakes you at night, often points to nerve involvement that a filling can't fix. A filling addresses surface decay; a root canal addresses infection reaching the nerve — imaging tells us which applies.
Modern anesthesia and technique make it far more comfortable than its reputation suggests — most patients report mild discomfort at most. Most patients tell us it was easier than they braced themselves for.
Most cases are completed in one to two visits, depending on the tooth and infection severity. We schedule the crown visit separately once the canal treatment itself is complete.
Often yes, since the tooth becomes more brittle without its nerve supply — we discuss this at your first visit. Skipping a needed crown risks the tooth fracturing later, which we explain clearly.
Delaying rarely makes the problem go away — it typically makes treatment more complicated later. We'd rather treat it now while the tooth is still savable.
We break out the root canal and crown costs separately so you understand the full picture. We verify insurance benefits before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket cost.
Our team serves Carolina Forest and the surrounding zip codes with digital imaging on-site at every location. Whether it's your first root canal or a retreatment case, our Carolina Forest team handles both in-house.
We'll confirm what's actually happening before recommending treatment.
Call +1-866-227-2801