Root Canal Treatment in Murrells Inlet, SC
Comfort-focused care when you need relief from tooth pain.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain that won’t go away, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling in the gums, you may be dealing with an infected or damaged tooth nerve. At Carolina Dental Center, Dr. Hojnowski provides gentle, modern root canal therapy to eliminate infection, relieve pain, and save your natural tooth whenever possible.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a restorative dental procedure where the infected or inflamed nerve tissue inside a tooth (the “pulp”) is removed, the space is cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is sealed to prevent future infection. This treatment allows your natural tooth to remain in place, preventing the need for an extraction.
Common Symptoms That May Mean You Need a Root Canal
Root canals are typically needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or severely damaged. You may need to be evaluated if you are experiencing:
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Pain & Sensitivity
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Persistent or throbbing tooth pain
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Pain that worsens when biting or chewing
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Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
Swelling & Gum Changes
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Swollen, tender, or puffy gums
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A pimple-like bump on the gums (fistula)
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Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
Structural Damage
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A cracked or fractured tooth
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Deep decay that has reached the nerve
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Trauma to the tooth that disrupts the nerve even without visible damage
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If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are serious, Dr. Hojnowski can examine the tooth, take digital X-rays, and determine whether a root canal, a filling, or another treatment is the right solution.
FAQs About Root Canals
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What Causes the Need for a Root Canal?
Untreated Tooth Decay
When a cavity is left untreated and bacteria reach the nerve.
Dental Trauma
A broken, cracked, or injured tooth can damage the pulp, even without visible fracture.
Repeated Dental Procedures
Teeth that have undergone multiple restorations can eventually become inflamed.
Severe Infections
Bacteria can enter the pulp through a deep cavity or fracture, causing an abscess.
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How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Typically 60–90 minutes depending on the tooth.
Molars have more roots, so they take longer than front teeth.
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What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
Here’s what patients can expect at Carolina Dental Center:
1. Examination & X-Rays
We assess the tooth, check the extent of the infection, and make sure a root canal is the appropriate treatment.
2. Local Anesthesia
The area is completely numbed to ensure a pain-free experience. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it feels.
3. Removing the Infection
A small opening is made in the tooth → the infected nerve and bacteria are removed → the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned.
4. Shaping & Sealing the Canal
The root canal is shaped and filled with a biocompatible material to prevent future reinfection.
5. Restoring the Tooth
Most root canal–treated teeth need a crown to protect and strengthen them.
Carolina Dental Center offers custom, beautifully made crowns to restore full function and appearance.
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Root Canal Recovery: What to Expect
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Here’s what recovery looks like:
Immediately After
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Mild tenderness near the tooth
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Temporary soreness when chewing
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Sensitivity for a few days is normal
At-Home Care
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Over-the-counter pain relievers (as recommended)
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Soft foods for the first 24 hours
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Keep the area clean with gentle brushing
Long-Term Protection
Once a crown is placed, the tooth is fully restored and should function like any other tooth.
If discomfort persists longer than a few days or worsens, Dr. Hojnowski will evaluate the tooth.
Why Choose Carolina Dental Center for Root Canal Treatment?
Modern, gentle approach
We focus on comfort-based care and use digital imaging and advanced techniques to make treatment smooth and stress-free.
Focus on saving your natural tooth
Whenever possible, we choose conservative treatments that preserve your natural smile.
Clear communication with the doctor
Patients appreciate that Dr. Hojnowski explains each step, answers questions thoroughly, and ensures you feel confident moving forward.
Emergency availability
If you're experiencing severe pain or swelling, we can often see you quickly for an evaluation.
Meet Dr. Hojnowski
With advanced skills in procedures such as dental implants and bone grafting, Dr. Hojnowski focuses on comprehensive care that prioritizes comfort, function, and long-term oral health. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, Grand Strand Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Services
At Carolina Dental Center, our top priority is providing our patients with the
highest quality care. We take the time to explain every procedure and never rush our patients,
ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident about their treatment. We specialize in dental
implants in Murrells Inlet, SC.
A tooth shaped cap that restores a decayed, broken, weak, or worn down tooth. The dentist also uses crowns to cover dental implants and root canal treated teeth, improve cosmetics, or for full mouth reconstruction cases to open a collapsed bite.
Dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to replace a missing tooth and restore a patient's ability to chew and their esthetics. Implants can also provide support or retention for artificial teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dentures are a replacement for teeth that have been lost, whether it be a complete arch or a partial arch. Complete dentures cover your entire upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures replace one or multiple teeth where there are still retained teeth on that same arch.
Bridges
A dental prosthesis that is cemented or bonded to natural teeth to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A fixed bridge can also be cemented onto dental implants. Each bridge contains abutments or retainers which are the part that supports or retains the prosthesis, and a pontic that replaces the missing tooth.
Snoring Treatment
We utilize a custom fit dental appliance specifically designed to treat snoring by slightly advancing your lower jaw to open the airway while you sleep. This appliance consists of upper and lower trays to be worn only while sleeping, and also mitigates bruxism (clenching and grinding).
Peridontal Therapy
for Gum Disease
This is a type of non-surgical treatment for gum disease (periodontitis) with the goal to control and manage periodontal disease without the need for surgery. This procedure, also known as scaling and root planing, helps to restore optimal gum health and prevent tooth loss.
Schedule a Root Canal Evaluation Today
If you’re dealing with tooth pain or think you may need a root canal, Carolina Dental Center is here to help.
Our team will assess your symptoms, explain your options clearly, and make sure you get the care you need — comfortably.
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Call now or request your appointment online.