Root Canal Treatment in Little Rock AR
Many are nervous when they hear the words "root canal." Unfortunately, this procedure has gained the reputation of invoking negative thoughts.
Do not fret if your dentist tells you that you need a root canal! Millions of teeth are treated and saved this year with this procedure.
So let us start with......What is a root canal?
A root canal is what we call "saving" the tooth. If you have been presented with the option of a root canal, the other option typically is extracting the tooth or removing it.
When "saving" the tooth, the inflamed tissue inside the tooth is removed, cleaned, disinfected then filled and sealed. These tissues that are removed contain blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. A fully developed tooth can survive without this tissue because the tooth is nourished by the tissues surrounding it. While we cannot guarantee a positive result for every patient, successful root canals have become routine in modern dentistry.
How many appointments will my root canal take?
Every tooth and circumstance is unique! Most teeth can be treated in 1-2 appointments.
How does the dentist know I need a root canal?
The most common symptom is PAIN. Symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- A pimple on the gum
- A chipped or cracked tooth-injury to the tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to HOT or COLD- even after the stimulus has been removed
- Swollen or Tender Gums
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
- New pain/complications with existing filling/crown
Is a root canal painful?
You will be numbed with local anesthesia for the procedure. You may be sore after the procedure and have some post-op discomfort for a few days. Usually Over the Counter Pain relievers are sufficient for pain management.
Restoring the Tooth:
Following the completion of endodontic treatment, we must fix the tooth itself. The root canal has preserved the root portion of the tooth. If the rest of the tooth is not restored, it will decay, fracture, and eventually be lost. The sooner the tooth is restored, the better the chances of saving the tooth. Typical restoration for a tooth after a root canal is a crown.
Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (501) 500-2019 to have a consultation with our dentists, and we will be happy to help.
