Woman holding jaw in pain

Root Canal

Pain, sensitivity, or an abscess along your gums can be signs that you have an infection in your tooth.  When the infection reaches the pulp and tooth roots, virtually painless root canal treatment can restore your oral health.  Drs. Talmadge D. Wilkins and Leah B. Wilkins in Aiken, SC, can perform a root canal to relieve your pain and help you smile again.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment, commonly known as a root canal, is an endodontic treatment option that allows your dentist to remove infected pulp and decay from the dental pulp chamber and tooth roots. Infection in the tooth roots occurs when bacterium enters the tooth through cracks and cavities. Once the pulp becomes infected, antibiotics are often not enough to eliminate the infection, and a root canal is needed. 

See How a Root Canal is Performed

When bacteria enters the tooth through untreated cracks or cavities, a root canal may be necessary to remove the infected pulp and decay. A small opening is created in the tooth to allow your doctor to remove the infection. The root canals are then reshaped, and the tooth is filled and sealed. 

Patient-Centered and Personalized Care Contact our Aiken dentists today

If you are experiencing signs of an infection, root canal treatment may seem scary. At the Center for Dentistry in Aiken, SC, there's nothing to fear—we are here to help every step of the way.

Our highly trained dentists, Talmadge D. Wilkins and Leah B. Wilkins, as well as our skilled staff, will go the extra mile to ensure you are completely comfortable in our care. While many dental offices treat patients on a tooth-by-tooth basis, we realize that each individual is unique, each with their own set of goals, life circumstances, values, opinions, and different wants and needs from their dental care. We get to know our patients' personal histories, expectations, present conditions, and future needs in order to develop personalized treatment plans together.

If you are experiencing symptoms of a root canal infection and want to find out if root canal treatment is right for you, contact us using our online form or call us today. 

Center for Dentistry staff
The friendly team at the Center for Dentistry is here to end your dental pain and ensure you have a happy, healthy smile.
"I was so impressed with the professional service I received. For the first time ever, the procedure was completely painless - and it was a root canal! I appreciated Dr Wilkens explaining what he was doing and why. I would recommend this practice without hesitation. My second visit was just as professional as the first. Crowns are made in house and the fit was perfect. Thanks Dr. Wilkens and staff!" Connie Scholz, 2021

Aren't Root Canals Painful?

Many patients believe that root canals are one of the more painful dental treatments, but this is a misconception. In reality, root canal treatment can actually relieve any pain or discomfort you may have because of infection. A root canal can also restore your oral function, as some patients report pain when chewing and eating. Before your root canal treatment begins, your dentist will thoroughly numb the area. If you are uncomfortable at any point, let your dentist know so they can address your discomfort quickly. Our Aiken dental practice strives to ensure your complete comfort during treatment. 

The Root Canal Treatment Timeline

Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is not a painful procedure. In fact, root canals aim to relieve pain and discomfort associated with infected teeth.
Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is not a painful procedure. In fact, root canals aim to relieve pain and discomfort associated with infected teeth.

Consultation

During your initial consultation at our Aiken dental practice, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and possibly take X-rays to ensure that a root canal is the best dental treatment for you. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to help reduce infection before your treatment.

Local Anesthetic

Before your procedure begins, your dentist will numb the area using a local anesthetic. This will ensure you are comfortable and do not feel any pain during your endodontic treatment.

Root Canal Therapy

Once you are properly numbed, your dentist will begin the procedure by creating a small opening in the infected tooth, which will allow them to reach the roots and pulp. They will then remove the infected pulp, which consists of blood vessels, nerves, and other tissue, and clean the inside of the tooth. After reshaping the pulp chambers and root canals, your dentist will fill and seal the tooth. A temporary filling may be used until your dental crown is placed. 

Crown Placement

A dental crown is used to provide structural support, strength, and protection to the tooth after treatment. Our Aiken dental practice offers both traditional and same-day crowns based on your needs and budget. 

Aftercare

Following your root canal, it's likely that you will be able to quickly resume your normal activities. You may be advised to avoid chewing and eating until the anesthetic wears off. However, you can eat and drink as normal once your mouth is no longer numb.

Have questions about the root canal treatment process? Don't hesitate to send us a message.

Can't I Just Get the Tooth Pulled?

When you are missing teeth, your jaw can quickly begin to deteriorate due to a lack of stimulation the tooth roots once provided. Even a single missing tooth can cause this. A root canal allows your dentist to preserve the tooth structure and restore your oral health by eliminating the infection. An extraction is only recommended if the tooth is severely decayed or damaged and there is no option to save it. Thankfully, if your tooth does require extraction, dental implants and restorations are available to restore your oral health, function, and appearance. 

You Can Keep Your Root Canal Affordable Through Insurance, Financing, and Our VIP Club

Because root canals are medically necessary, it's likely that your insurance will cover at least part of your treatment. We work with most insurance providers to help reduce or even eliminate the out-of-pocket costs associated with your root canal.

Don't have dental insurance? We accept CareCredit®, a financing option that lets you split your costs into manageable monthly payments.

You can also consider becoming a member of our VIP Club. This is a monthly subscription plan that allows patients to get preventative care such as cleanings, dental exams, and X-rays, as well as discounts on other dental treatments they may need. Adult members save an average of approximately $300 each year.

Call us to learn more about this valuable plan or to discuss insurance and financing. You can also join our VIP Club online today.

Hear From Satisfied Aiken Patients Who Left Us 5-Star Reviews

1

Mike Cissell

Aiken, SC

2023

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Center for Dentistry is an excellent group! I've been a patient here since moving to Aiken, and have been absolutely impressed at the high quality care during each visit. The staff are all amazing, and both Dr Tal and Dr Leah are wonderful! I recommend them to anyone seeking a high quality caring dental practice!

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1

Larry Verburg

Aiken, SC

2023

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Five stars: The dentists at the Center are perfectionists. My family and I have used them for our dental needs since they opened, and we have always been quite pleased with the results.

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Dr. Talmadge D. Wilkins IV and Leah B. Wilkins

Center for Dentistry

At Center of Dentistry, our dentists favor a patient-friendly approach to cosmetic, implant, and comprehensive dentistry. Our highly trained staff will go the extra mile to make you feel at ease. Our dentists are affiliated with professional organizations including:

  • American Dental Association
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Pankey Institute for Florida

To schedule a visit at our Aiken, SC, dental office, contact us online, or call us at 803-648-9461 today!

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