Root Canal Therapy in Jonesboro, AR

This treatment is meant to save your tooth from the dominating decay that is taking over your tooth. The first step to the treatment is Dr. Langston and Dr. Wagner numbing your tooth and surrounding area. Once the tooth is numb, they will drill a hole into the tooth and remove the infected pulp. After the infected pulp is removed, your dentist will fill the bottom of the tooth with medications, temporary fillings, and root canal fillings. The hole will then be filled with a tooth-colored filling that will restore your tooth back to its original condition. If it is needed, your dentist will place a dental crown onto the tooth to give it structure and stability.

You might feel a little sore after the treatment, but it is nothing over-the-counter drugs cannot fix. We understand that having infected pulp inside your tooth is very painful, and we suggest that you call and set up an appointment so we can save your tooth and eliminate your pain.

How will I know if I need a root canal?

If you have any of the following symptoms or something just feels off and you think you may need a root canal or another dental treatment, please schedule a visit with our team in the near future. Tooth infections are not always obvious, however, so you should visit our practice on a routine basis so we can examine your teeth and gums for signs of dental issues regularly.

• Persistent, Unbearable Tooth or Jaw Pain
• Sudden Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Food and Drinks
• Change in Tooth Color; Darkening of Tooth
• Swollen or Tender Gums; Bump on Gums Near Tooth
• Chipped, Cracked, Broken, or Loose Tooth

Are root canal treatments painful?

While many patients are intimidated by the idea of receiving root canal therapy, root canals are actually not very different from receiving a dental filling from the patient’s perspective. After a local anesthetic is administered into your gums to completely numb your mouth, you should only feel some pressure on the tooth but no pain or discomfort at all. If you have any other questions or concerns about your treatment, feel free to contact us for clarification.

Are there any alternatives to root canals?

Once an infection has occurred inside a tooth, the infected tissue must be removed so the infection does not spread to other parts of the face and body and cause serious consequences. Putting a root canal off for too long can also result in a dental extraction becoming necessary instead. If you suspect that you may need a root canal or you know that you need to schedule a treatment soon, we recommend getting in touch with our team as soon as possible.

Will I need a crown after my root canal?

Many patients need a dental crown placed over their tooth after receiving a root canal. This is because root canals remove part of the tooth and weaken its structure. Dental crowns are very durable restorations that are designed to support and protect teeth while mimicking their natural appearance. We will place a temporary crown after your root canal treatment is complete, and a follow-up visit will be scheduled one to two weeks later. During this visit, we will remove the temporary crown and ensure everything looks good before placing the permanent crown.

How can root canals be avoided?

Tooth infections are caused by harmful bacteria affecting the inside of a tooth. By preventing tooth decay and damage, you are also helping to prevent tooth infections and root canal treatments. Routine cleanings, additional preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, and a thorough at-home oral care routine are all great preventive measures that you can take. Mouthguards and nightguards can also protect the teeth from becoming damaged and infected as well. Of course, dental issues cannot always be easily avoided, and we’ll be happy to assist should you need a root canal treatment.

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