Our Treatments

Endodontic Therapy

Root canal therapy relieves pain, eliminates infection, and saves your natural tooth — all in a comfortable, carefully managed appointment.

Endodontic therapy — commonly called a root canal — has an undeserved reputation. In reality, it is one of the most effective ways to relieve severe tooth pain, eliminate a dangerous infection, and preserve a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed. Dr. Kyle Smith performs root canal therapy with precision and care, using modern techniques and anesthesia to keep every procedure as comfortable as possible.

Core Treatment

Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy — formally known as endodontic treatment — is performed when the soft tissue inside a tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma. The procedure removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals the tooth to prevent reinfection. Despite its reputation, a root canal is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed — and it relieves the pain caused by the infection, not causes it.

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Highlights

Relieves pain from infected or inflamed pulp
Saves the natural tooth from extraction
Completed in one or two appointments
Local anesthesia for a comfortable experience

Pulp Infection & Abscess Treatment

When bacteria reach the pulp of a tooth, infection can spread rapidly — sometimes forming an abscess at the root tip. Left untreated, a dental abscess can become a serious health risk. Root canal therapy eliminates the source of infection, drains the abscess, and allows the surrounding bone and tissue to heal. Antibiotic therapy may be prescribed alongside treatment to help control the infection.

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Highlights

Eliminates the source of infection
Prevents spread to surrounding bone and tissue
Antibiotic therapy when indicated
Follow-up to confirm healing

Retreatment Cases

Occasionally, a tooth that has previously had root canal therapy may become re-infected or fail to heal properly. This can happen years after the original treatment. In retreatment cases, Dr. Smith reopens the tooth, removes the existing filling material, re-cleans the canals, and reseals the tooth — giving it a second chance at long-term survival.

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Highlights

Addresses failed or incomplete prior root canals
Thorough re-cleaning of all canals
Digital X-rays to assess healing
Preserves the natural tooth when possible

Post & Core Buildup

After root canal therapy, a tooth is often structurally weakened and requires additional support before a crown can be placed. A post and core buildup involves placing a small post into the root canal space and building up the remaining tooth structure with composite material — creating a stable foundation for the final crown restoration.

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Highlights

Strengthens the tooth after root canal therapy
Creates a stable base for crown placement
Completed in the same visit when possible
Essential for long-term tooth survival

Crown Placement After Root Canal

A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy is more brittle than a vital tooth and is at higher risk of fracture without protection. In most cases, Dr. Smith recommends placing a crown over the treated tooth to restore its full strength, function, and appearance. With CEREC® technology available in our office, your permanent crown can often be designed, milled, and placed in a single visit.

Ask About CEREC® Crowns

Highlights

Protects the treated tooth from fracture
Restores full chewing function
CEREC® same-day crowns available
Custom-shaded to match natural teeth

Setting the Record Straight

The Myth

"Root canals are extremely painful."

The Fact

Modern root canal therapy is performed under local anesthesia and is no more uncomfortable than a routine filling. The procedure relieves the pain caused by infection — it doesn't cause it.

The Myth

"It's better to just pull the tooth."

The Fact

Saving a natural tooth is almost always the preferred outcome. Extraction leads to bone loss, shifting teeth, and the need for a replacement — which is typically more involved and costly than root canal therapy.

The Myth

"Root canals cause illness."

The Fact

This claim is based on outdated, debunked research from the early 1900s. Modern endodontic treatment is safe, effective, and supported by decades of clinical evidence.

Tooth Pain? Don't Wait.

Severe or persistent tooth pain is a signal that something needs attention. Call our Greenville office today — the sooner we see you, the more options we have to save your tooth.

Call 903-455-5750 Request Appointment

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