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Root Canal Therapy in Jonesboro, AR
You don’t need to dread the thought of root canals. Whether from misinformation, or a simple lack of information, root canal therapy has received an unfair negative reputation. If you have a severely infected tooth, root canal treatment could mean the difference between saving and losing that tooth—and it means finally getting relief from that toothache you’re probably feeling. At Troy Bartels, DDS, we provide gentle, effective treatment so you can get back to smiling.
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Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms signaling they need root canal treatment, but here are some of the most common signs:
- Toothache (can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain)
- Gum tenderness or swelling
- Darkened/discolored tooth
- Prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages
- Pimple-like bump or tooth abscess
If you exhibit any of these, the best course of action is to contact our office so we can determine the source of the symptoms, and whether root canal therapy, tooth abscess treatment, or another restorative service is the best next step to preserve your oral health.
How the Root Canal Procedure Works
This procedure is a way to remove the damaged and infected material within a tooth to prevent further infection and bone loss. The treatment gets its name because that inner material, also referred to as the pulp, is located within the root canal of a tooth.
After we’ve taken X-rays and planned your treatment, we’ll apply local anesthesia near the tooth being treated to prevent discomfort during the procedure. Next, we will make a small hole in the tooth, through which we’ll clean out any decayed material. Then, we’ll fill and seal the tooth and place a restoration like a dental crown, which are essentially caps for your teeth, for added strength and protection.
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If you have damaged or infected pulp inside your tooth, we can clean it out and preserve your natural tooth with root canal therapy. During a consultation, Dr. Bartels will examine your tooth to see if root canal treatment is right for you.
Is There an Alternative to Root Canals?
If your tooth pulp becomes acutely inflamed or infected, the alternative treatment to a root canal would be having your tooth extracted. Dr. Bartel will typically recommend attempting to save your tooth with a root canal because their success rate is over 90%. Saving your tooth can prevent future troubles such as bite problems from shifting teeth, difficulty eating, and loss of jawbone volume or density.
Do Root Canals Hurt?
One of the biggest misconceptions about root canals is that they cause pain. What many people don’t realize is that what’s actual painful is the tooth infection itself, and root canal therapy is designed to alleviate that pain by removing the source of the problem. Thanks to advancements in dentistry, as well as local anesthesia, what you’ll feel during the procedure is more like a slight pressure. Our team always prioritizes your comfort, and we work hard to make it easy and stress-free for you to receive the dental treatment you need.
What’s Happens After the Procedure?
Most patients report having some tooth sensitivity for a few days following their root canal. Most discomfort can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Dr. Bartel usually recommends avoiding chewing on your tooth until it receives its permanent filling or full-coverage crown, depending on the condition of your tooth prior to the root canal. These options will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
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