Root Canals

Root canals have a bad reputation, which is unfortunate for a couple of reasons. Most importantly, a root canal is the only dental procedure available that enables us to relieve the pain of an infected tooth and save it from extraction. Also, times have changed, and if you haven't had one in a while, you will be impressed with how the root canal procedure has improved in recent years.

Dr. Joseph Tucker is an experienced Edmond dentist who has a reputation for performing comfortable root canals for his patients. His gentle and caring approach, combined with powerful anesthetics and updated technology, ensure that your procedure will go smoothly and comfortably.

Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

When a tooth becomes infected, Dr. Tucker needs to perform a root canal to save it. One of the most common symptoms of an infected tooth is intense pain, and a root canal is the only procedure that will provide relief, other than removing the tooth altogether. 

Aside from an excruciating toothache, other symptoms of an infected tooth are:

• Swollen or puffy gums
• A raised white bump on your gums
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
• A bad odor or taste in your mouth

It’s important to understand that a root canal infection may also be asymptomatic, making your twice-yearly checkups at Edmond Dental at Deer Creek all the more important

The Root Canal Procedure

There really is no reason to dread a root canal. Dentists like Dr. Tucker invest hundreds of hours in continuing education and advanced training to learn about the latest techniques and technology that improve their patients’ comfort and ensure the best possible long-term outcomes. For your comfort during your procedure, we offer nitrous oxide or laughing gas to help you relax, as well as iPads in each treatment room, Netflix on the TV, and noise-canceling headphones. 

When we are sure you're comfortable, the first step is to apply an anesthetic to numb the tooth to be sure you don’t feel any pain. Next, we make a small opening in the infected tooth by which we access the interior or pulp chamber of the tooth. Using specialized instruments, Dr. Tucker carefully removes the infected pulp from this chamber, then disinfects the area and fills it with a material called gutta-percha. The final step is to place a temporary filling on the tooth and allow it to heal.

After Your Root Canal Procedure

After the numbness wears off, you will likely experience some soreness in the area for a day or two. Taking an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen is usually all that’s needed for relief. If you do feel any pain, please call us right away.

In about two weeks, we’ll schedule a return appointment, so Dr. Tucker can place a dental crown or filling to protect the weakened tooth. With proper care that includes diligent oral hygiene and preventive exams and cleanings every six months, a root canal tooth can continue to give you many years of service.

Call Our Edmond Dental Office to Schedule an Appointment

If you have a toothache or notice any of the other symptoms listed above, call our Edmond, OK dental office to schedule an appointment. We’ll get you on our schedule as soon as possible, so Dr. Tucker can determine if the problem is an infected tooth and provide treatment as promptly as possible.