Root Canal Treatment in Arcola: What You Need to Know

If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you might feel nervous about the procedure. Many people associate root canals with pain, but the truth is modern root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. At Elite Dentistry in Arcola, TX, we focus on gentle, effective care to save your natural tooth while keeping you comfortable.

Let’s break down what a root canal is, why you might need one, and what to expect during the procedure.

Do I Really Need a Root Canal?

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, lingering sensitivity, or swelling around your gums, you may have an infection inside your tooth. A root canal is the only way to remove the infection while saving your tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread, leading to more severe pain, bone loss, or even tooth loss.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

• Persistent or severe tooth pain
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
• Swollen or tender gums around the tooth
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
• Pimple-like bumps (abscess) on the gums

If you have any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them! The sooner you seek treatment, the more likely we can save your tooth and prevent further complications.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Many patients are surprised to learn that a root canal isn’t much different from getting a filling. The procedure is designed to eliminate pain, not cause it. Here’s what happens step by step:

1. Numbing the Area

We start by fully numbing your tooth and surrounding gums, ensuring you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure.

2. Removing the Infection

A small opening is made in the tooth, and the infected pulp inside is carefully removed and cleaned.

3. Disinfecting & Sealing the Tooth

The inner part of your tooth is disinfected and filled to prevent future infection.

4. Restoring Strength with a Crown

In most cases, a custom dental crown is placed over the tooth to protect and strengthen it. This ensures your tooth remains functional and natural-looking for years to come.

Will a Root Canal Hurt?

This is one of the biggest concerns patients have. The truth is, a root canal actually relieves pain rather than causing it. With modern anesthesia and advanced techniques, most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure. If you’ve been dealing with severe tooth pain, you’ll likely feel much better after the infection is removed.

After the procedure, some mild tenderness is normal, but this typically subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

A properly treated and restored tooth can last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. To help protect your tooth after a root canal:

• Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings
• Brush and floss daily to prevent decay and reinfection
• Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a crown

Trust Your Smile to Elite Dentistry in Arcola, TX

At Elite Dentistry, we understand that root canals can feel intimidating, but we’re here to make the process comfortable and stress-free. Our experienced team provides gentle, expert care to relieve your pain and restore your smile.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain or signs of infection, don’t wait—schedule your visit today. Let us help you get back to a pain-free, healthy smile!