Root canal therapy has an unfair reputation, but the truth is simple: Root canals don’t cause pain; they relieve it. At Dental Designs of Stroud, our doctors use modern techniques and effective anesthesia to make root canal treatment comfortable, efficient, and successful.
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, a root canal may be exactly what you need to save your tooth and end your discomfort.
How Root Canals Save Teeth
When the nerve and pulp inside your tooth become infected or inflamed, the tooth can’t heal on its own. Without treatment, the infection spreads, the pain worsens, and the tooth eventually dies. At that point, extraction becomes the only option.
Root canal therapy stops this progression. By removing the infected tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and sealing it against future infection, we can save your natural tooth and eliminate the pain.
Root canals are needed when:
- Deep decay reaches the tooth’s nerve
- A crack or fracture exposes the pulp
- Trauma damages the tooth’s internal structure
- An abscess forms at the root tip
- Repeated dental work on the same tooth causes inflammation
Saving your natural tooth is always better than extracting it. Your natural tooth maintains your bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and preserves the bone structure in your jaw.
Modern Techniques, Maximum Comfort
Root canal therapy today is nothing like it was decades ago. Advanced technology, refined techniques, and effective anesthesia make the procedure as comfortable as getting a filling.
We numb the area completely before we begin. You won’t feel pain during the procedure—just slight pressure as we work. Many patients are surprised by how uneventful the experience is.
For patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation options to help you relax. The biggest relief comes after treatment. Once the infected nerve is removed, the severe pain you’ve been experiencing disappears.
How We Remove Infection & Restore Health
Root canal therapy is a systematic process designed to eliminate infection and seal the tooth against future problems.
Here’s What Happens:
We create a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove all the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth and root canals. The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate bacteria. The canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent reinfection. A temporary filling closes the access opening, and you’ll return later for a permanent crown.
The entire procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on which tooth is being treated.
Why Crowns Are Essential After Root Canals
A tooth that has undergone root canal therapy is more brittle than a healthy tooth. The removal of the nerve and blood supply weakens the tooth structure, making it prone to fracture if left unprotected.
A crown covers and protects the entire tooth, distributing chewing forces evenly and preventing cracks or breaks. Without a crown, most root canal-treated teeth fracture within a few years, and often beyond repair.
We typically wait a few weeks after the root canal to place the crown. This gives the tooth time to heal and ensures there’s no residual infection. With our CEREC technology, we can often create and place your crown in a single visit.
The crown is the final step in saving your tooth and ensures your investment lasts for decades.
From Pain To Relief: The Healing Process
Most patients feel immediate relief after root canal therapy. The severe, throbbing pain caused by the infected nerve is gone. You may experience some tenderness for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal, but this is mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
What to expect as you heal:
- Mild tenderness when biting or chewing (this improves within a week)
- Slight sensitivity in the surrounding gum tissue
- Gradual reduction in swelling if an abscess was present
- Significant improvement in overall comfort within 24 to 48 hours
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed. If you experience severe pain, increasing swelling, or pressure that doesn’t improve, contact us right away.
Preserving Your Tooth For Life
Root canal therapy has a success rate of over 95% when performed correctly and followed by a crown. With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.
To protect your treated tooth:
- Have the crown placed as soon as possible after the root canal
- Brush and floss daily to prevent new decay
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other extremely hard objects
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Visit us regularly for checkups and cleanings
Even though the nerve is gone, the tooth is still alive. It’s anchored in your jawbone by ligaments and surrounded by gum tissue. Maintaining good oral hygiene keeps the supporting structures healthy and ensures your tooth stays strong.
What To Expect During Your Appointment
Root canal therapy is a routine procedure, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
We’ll take x-rays to evaluate the tooth and plan the procedure. We’ll numb the area completely and make sure you’re comfortable before we begin. During treatment, you’ll feel pressure but no pain. The procedure takes about an hour, and you can relax, listen to music, or simply close your eyes.
After treatment, we’ll provide care instructions and schedule your follow-up appointment for the crown. You can return to your normal activities immediately, though you should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is placed.
Save Your Tooth With Confidence
At Dental Designs of Stroud, root canal therapy is a routine, comfortable procedure that saves infected teeth and eliminates pain. Our doctors use advanced techniques and gentle care to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
Call our Stroud, OK office or book online if you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal. We’ll evaluate your tooth, answer your questions, and provide the treatment you need to save your smile.