We will numb the affected tooth and surrounding area with local anesthesia. Then, we may place a rubber dam around the affected tooth to isolate it and keep it dry during the procedure.
Redefining Root Canals
There was a time when referring to something as being “like a root canal” conjured anxieties about intense pain. However, with advancements in dental techniques and surgical procedures, root canals are no longer a cause for concern.
When performed by a skilled expert, a root canal can relieve pain without causing any more. Whether you’re looking for a reactive or preventative solution, you will notice a difference when you come to Ocean Aesthetics and Dental for a root canal in Hilton Head.
What To Expect
Our Process
Our doctor will carefully drill an opening into the tooth’s crown to access the pulp chamber and root canals. Using specialized dental instruments called files, we will skillfully remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue.
Next, we will clean and disinfect the inside of the root canals to remove any remaining bacteria and debris. Once cleaned and shaped, we will fill and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection.
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Tooth decay
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Cracked or chipped teeth
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Tooth damage or trauma
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Faulty crown
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Leaky fillings
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Repeated dental procedures
What It Treats
Discover Your Dental Solutions
At Ocean Aesthetics and Dental, knowledge is power. Use our Treatment Planning Tool to explore our state-of-the-art aesthetic and dental treatments, including a root canal, in Hilton Head.
When to Consider a Root Canal
If your tooth shows signs of infection or severe nerve damage, we may suggest a root canal procedure. Whenever a tooth gets cracked or develops a large cavity, bacteria can penetrate the pulp, and if not treated properly, cause severe infection, bone loss, or the tooth itself.
Preparing for a Root Canal
- Do not eat or drink for at least two hours before your appointment, including coffee, tea, water, and chewing gum.
- You will likely be in the dental chair for a while, so wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Get at least eight hours of sleep the night before the procedure to stay relaxed during the procedure.
Recovering from a Root Canal
- Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods. Instead opt for soft foods like cottage cheese, yogurt, or smoothies.
- Brush your teeth after every meal, floss once a day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Use extra pillows when you sleep and sit upright when awake to minimize swelling.
Compatible Treatments to a Root Canal
Medically reviewed by
Ocean Aesthetics & Dental Team
With modern techniques and anesthesia, our patients typically compare the pain of a root canal to that of a typical dental filling. When you come to Ocean Aesthetics and Dental, we will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.
The length of a root canal procedure depends on the location and complexity of the affected tooth. On average, it takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.
During a root canal procedure, our doctor removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then fills and seals the space with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
We often recommend a dental crown after a root canal to protect and strengthen the tooth. A crown helps restore the tooth’s natural appearance and function, preventing further damage or fractures.
Most people recover from a root canal quickly and can resume normal activities the same day or the day after their procedure. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth for a few days, but you can manage these temporary side effects with over-the-counter pain medications.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a more viable option than a tooth extraction. Root canals allow you to keep your natural tooth structure, maintain proper chewing function, and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting out of alignment.
While root canal-treated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care, minor risks of reinfection or complications over time remain. To minimize these possibilities, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene, attend regular dental check-ups, and address any signs of infection promptly.
In some cases, if we can not save a tooth with root canal therapy or if the patient prefers an alternative treatment, tooth extraction followed by replacement—such as dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures—may be considered as an alternative solution. However, we aim to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible to optimize your oral health and function.
Patient Stories
Why Visit Ocean Aesthetics and Dental?
Experienced Team
Our doctor’s decades of diverse experience—including training dental students, private dental practice, the U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Army—sets our practice apart.
Proven Services
You deserve to look and feel your best at every age. That is why we work with patients from all walks of life, providing evidence-based solutions for their unique struggles.
Compassionate Care
Whether you come to us for skin restoration or a root canal in Hilton Head, we’re just as dedicated to providing first-class experiences as we are to first-class results.
About Our Practice
Committed to dental excellence since 2008.
Everyone’s struggles and aspirations look different, so their treatments should, too. At Ocean Aesthetics and Dental, we have spent years perfecting our techniques to customize every science-backed solution we offer.
