What are the Signs I Need a Root Canal?

You will need a root canal if you have inflamed and irritated dental pulp. There are several common signs to look out for at home that may mean you need a root canal:

• Sharp, sudden tooth pain
• Tooth discoloration
• Gum swelling and tenderness
• Pimple-like gum sores

Please contact our office if you notice any of these symptoms. Dr. Adams will thoroughly examine your smile and take dental X-rays to determine which teeth require care.

Dr. Adams will numb the area with a local anesthetic to begin root canal treatment. The anesthetic ensures you won’t feel any pain during treatment. Dr. Adams makes a small hole in the back of the tooth. Then she inserts a special instrument called an endodontic file through the hole. Dr. Adams removes all diseased or damaged tissue from the inside of the tooth and thoroughly cleans the area.

Next, she injects a material called gutta-percha into the cleared-out tooth structure. Gutta-percha helps stabilize the tooth and seal out bacteria.

Most patients will receive a dental crown after their root canal treatment. A dental crown is a highly durable dental restoration custom-designed to match your smile. The dental crown fully covers the treated tooth like a cap and is permanently bonded to the tooth for long-term support.

We often recommend a dental crown following a root canal to cover and protect worn or weakened teeth. Removing the decayed tooth structure can affect the strength of the tooth.

“Heather Adams and her team are by far the most personable, professional team I’ve interacted with at a dentist office. They set the standard for customer care & take it to another level entirely. They make going to the dentist feel like a spa day. I appreciate them all.”

-Twyla R.

Are You Nervous About Your Root Canal? We Can Help.

We understand that root canals have a bad reputation. At Heather Adams Dentistry, Dr. Adams will do everything she can to make you comfortable. You can choose from our “Comfort Menu,” which includes massage chairs, plush blankets, noise-canceling headphones, dimmable lighting, and lavender-scented towels. We also offer sedation options to help you relax. Concierge-level comfort can make it easy if you need a root canal but are afraid of pain.

Root Canal Aftercare

Following your root canal treatment, caring for your treated tooth will ensure you heal quickly and feel more comfortable during the healing process.

Directly after your root canal, you must avoid:

• Smoking
• Consuming hot and cold foods and drinks
• Exercising
• Using a straw
• Spitting or sucking
• Eating crunchy or hard foods

Alternatively, eating a soft diet, resting, and taking pain medications will help you heal following your root canal.

Soft foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, and eggs will combat pain and sensitivity. We will also recommend using ice packs on your cheek to reduce swelling. You may experience swelling 24 to 72 hours following treatment.

You may need to clean your mouth with a saltwater rinse the same day as your procedure. However, you can begin to brush and floss again after the anesthetic wears off. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid using a water flosser because it can irritate your treated tooth or teeth.

Additionally, you can return to normal activities, including work or school, 24 hours after your root canal. Ensure your filling has hardened and the anesthetic has worn off before exercising.

Please call Dr. Adams if you feel severe pain or have questions as you heal. She’ll give you the right suggestions and can see you in her office if needed.

Root Canal FAQs

Read answers to common questions about root canals in Rogers, AR.

How painful is a root canal?

While a root canal procedure may scare some people, it is about as painful or uncomfortable as a tooth filling. In fact, most of the pain associated with this procedure is with the infection itself. Root canal therapy will provide you with relief once the infection has been removed and you have healed fully.

Dr. Adams will numb your mouth during treatment and may recommend dental sedation if you have anxiety. She also offers comfortable blankets and noise-canceling headphones so you stay relaxed during treatment.

How long will a root canal take?

A root canal procedure on one tooth should take about 30 to 60 minutes. If you have a more complicated case, it may take longer. It will also depend on which tooth is being treated.

Why do I need a dental crown after a root canal?

After your root canal, your tooth no longer has adequate protection it should have. The tooth’s surface is more susceptible to decay and infection. A dental crown will help protect the tooth and prevent these problems.

What should I avoid before a root canal?

Before your root canal, avoid alcohol and tobacco. These substances can interfere with any medications we give you during your treatment, including anti-anxiety medicine. Also, do not come to your appointment on an empty stomach. We recommend eating a normal meal beforehand so you feel comfortable and steady during the procedure.

How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

It often takes less than a week to heal after a root canal. You will feel more comfortable as you heal if you rest, take pain medication, and gently clean your mouth.

Why do I feel throbbing in my tooth after a root canal?

You may feel your treated tooth throbbing due to inflammation and irritation from the root canal treatment. Taking pain medication and using a cold compress will lessen this pain. If you continue to feel pain days after your root canal, please get in touch with our office. We will find and treat the source of your pain.

Can an infection return after a root canal?

Yes, an infection can return after a root canal, but it doesn’t happen often. For example, small canals inside the tooth are sometimes missed during the procedure. If bacteria remain in these areas, they can cause a new infection. Some teeth have complex roots or curves that make it hard to clean out all the infection.

A filling or crown placed after the root canal protects the tooth. If it gets damaged or worn down, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause an infection again. Also, if the tooth gets a cavity after the root canal, bacteria can reach the treated area and cause problems.

See Dr. Adams if you notice pain, swelling, or sensitivity after a root canal. She may recommend a retreatment or other procedures to fix the problem.

What are the alternatives to a root canal?

If a root canal isn’t the right option for you, the main alternative is tooth extraction. This means the dentist removes the damaged or infected tooth entirely. After an extraction, you’ll need a way to replace the missing tooth to keep your smile complete and avoid problems like shifting teeth or difficulty chewing. Common replacement options include dental implants, bridges, and dentures.

Get a Comfortable Root Canal

Do you have severe tooth pain? Are you looking for a comfortable way to stop your toothaches? Call Dr. Adams to save your tooth with comfortable root canal treatment in Rogers, AR, at (479) 323-3011. Feel free to schedule a dental appointment on our website.