Root Canals in Jonesboro
There aren’t many phrases that produce the same level of anxiety and dread as “you need a root canal.” We’re talking nails on the chalkboard reaction. Movies, stories, and 
urban legends all agree that roots canals are greater than, or at least equal to, most forms of torture.
Well, let’s set the record straight: Root canals don’t have to hurt. I know. Crazy talk, right? With the advancements in both numbing teeth and the procedure itself, “root canal” is no longer a dirty word.
What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy is a procedure done to remove all living tissue and bacteria from the pulp space within your tooth. Underneath the hard enamel and softer dentin layers of your tooth, there is a space filled with nerves and blood vessels. This tissue can get inflamed and/or infected, for many reasons, and cause you significant pain.
A root canal removes all this inflamed and infected tissue, sterilizes the empty space, and places filling material in the canal space to prevent future infection. Root canals can be challenging procedures due to the size and shape irregularities of the inside of teeth. Some may even require a referral to a root canal specialist for treatment. If we believe this to be necessary in your case, we’ll discuss the situation with you and provide our professional recommendation.
Why do I need a root canal?
A tooth needs a root canal if the nerve tissue (pulp) is either infected (abscessed), inflamed, or dead (necrotic). There are three common reasons that may cause this to occur:
- Tooth decay has reached the nerve – If a cavity that starts on the outside of the tooth grows long enough, it will reach the nerve. When it reaches the nerve, it will transfer the infection-causing bacteria to the pulp tissue and cause a dental abscess.
- Trauma from an accident – It is very common for a head injury that impacts the mouth to cut off or damage the blood/nerve supply to the tooth. In this case, the pulp tissue will either die or become infected. This does not always happen soon after the accident. Sometimes it can take years for symptoms to start. This type of trauma to the nerve will sometimes cause the tooth to turn a dark grayish color.
- Inflammation of the nerve from past dental work – Even a small filling is traumatic to your tooth. Any time we have to take an instrument and remove decayed or broken down tooth, it can cause damage to the tooth or nerve. This is why we work so hard to prevent all tooth decay. Sometimes routine dental work will cause the nerve to become irritated, which can lead to significant pain. The more severe the work, the more likely this is to happen.
What can I expect from root canal treatment?
Expect to be pleasantly surprised! A root canal should not be a painful experience. To ensure the most comfortable experience possible, we use the best anesthetic available to numb your tooth for the procedure. After the anesthetic has been given, the rest of the root canal should never hurt.
Expect to feel better! Teeth that need root canal therapy are generally causing significant pain, and we intend to fix that. There will be some post-procedure discomfort, but the discomfort after the procedure is generally less than the pain you were experiencing from the damaged tooth. After the procedure, the tooth will be sore to bite on for a few days. Within a week, however, all discomfort will have passed, in most cases.
Expect to be back to normal! After the root canal, we will restore your tooth back to full strength to ensure it will last. Teeth that need a root canal are sometimes weak due to either a large cavity or a large original filling. Back teeth in need of a root canal will almost always also need a dental crown to support the force of chewing. In some cases, a front tooth can be restored back to full function with a bonded filling, depending on how large the cavity or original filling was.
Call Today for an Evaluation in Jonesboro
If you are in pain, don’t hesitate another minute. Call our Jonesboro dental office today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Burris or Dr. Harmon. We’ll examine your tooth and provide a diagnosis and our treatment recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diagnostic x-rays during regular checkups provide us with information we cannot see during our visual examination of your mouth. Without this information, small problems are 
often missed until they become larger and cause pain or problems. At this point, the treatment is usually more invasive and expensive.
X-Rays taken at your dental appointment
The most common type of dental x-ray is the bitewing x-ray. This is taken once a year to check between back teeth, where flossing cavities start. With bitewings, we can detect a flossing cavity 12 to 24 months before it becomes visible on a clinical exam. This is sometimes the difference in repairing the problem with a small filling instead of a root canal or crown.
A panoramic x-ray is taken in adolescents and teenagers. This is the type of x-ray that spins around the head when taken. We take this x-ray to confirm that all the permanent teeth are present, forming properly, and in good position to erupt naturally. It is also taken later to evaluate the position of wisdom teeth and decide if removal is indicated or not.
What is a full mouth series of x-rays?
A full-mouth series of x-rays is recommended in adults every three to five years depending on certain factors. This series of x-rays is to evaluate the contacts of the front teeth that aren’t regularly x-rayed, as well as to evaluate the root structure, bone level, and other anatomy not seen on routine bitewings. Many problems can be detected early with a full-mouth series of x-rays. Left unnoticed, these problems would cause serious damage to teeth and jaws.
If you are in need of a dental appointment be sure to call our Jonesboro AR office today at (870) 932-3151 or book online.
We thank Hollywood and all dentists over the age of 80 for this question. There is no more major misconception in dental care than the idea that dental care has to hurt.
Dental care doesn’t have to hurt.
With advances in anesthetic technique, there is no procedure in our service list that we can’t make comfortable. This also includes the especially dreaded root canals and extractions.
Our doctors will make sure that you are adequately numb and comfortable during any procedure. If you visited a dentist recently and experienced severe pain that you were told was “just part of it,” I’m sorry and that’s unfortunate and unnecessary. The only exception is dental infection. If a tooth is severely infected, there is no way to numb it. This will require antibiotic treatment and/or drainage before treatment.
To make your care pain-free, an injection of anesthetic is necessary. That means using a needle. If you have severe anxiety about needles or the procedure in general, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax. Once we confirm the tooth or gum tissue that needs the treatment is properly numb, the rest of the procedure should be pain-free.
We will provide the utmost gentle dental care for all
The only way we know if you are in pain is if you tell us. Any time you feel something you don’t believe you should, be sure and let the doctor or hygienist know. They can make you more comfortable. You are safe with us. So schedule your appointment with Dental Solutions today! You can book online or call our Jonesboro office today at (870) 932-3151.
If you’ve been told you need a root canal treatment in Jonesboro, AR, waiting three months is not a good idea. A root canal is necessary when the inner pulp of a tooth is infected or inflamed. Delaying treatment means you're only providing that infection more time to gain strength and spread, potentially leading to severe pain, swelling, and even the loss of the tooth.
Why Getting a Root Canal Is Important
The infection can move beyond the tooth, affecting surrounding tissues, bone, and even other parts of your body. In extreme cases, untreated dental infections can lead to abscess formation, which may require urgent medical intervention. If the bacteria spread into the bloodstream, it can result in serious health complications.
Additionally, postponing treatment increases the chances that the tooth may become too damaged to save, requiring extraction instead. Root canals preserve your natural tooth, relieve pain, and prevent further issues.
Stress-Free, Gentle Root Canals in Jonesboro, AR
If you’re experiencing symptoms like persistent pain, sensitivity, or swelling, please don’t wait. Dental Solutions offers same-day appointments and emergency services to provide relief as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule your root canal and protect your smile!
We have flexible appointment times and emergency appointments available.
When done properly, root canals can last for many years—often decades. In fact, with good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and good luck with accidents, root canal longevity rivals that of any dental restoration. A well-maintained tooth that’s had a root canal and a proper crown can function just like a natural tooth for 10 to 20 years or more.
What Determines Root Canal Longevity?
root canal durability depends on a few key factors. These include:
- The location of the tooth
- The extent of the dental decay or damage
- How well the tooth is protected afterward.
Molars, for instance, endure more biting force and may wear down faster without a quality crown. Front teeth don’t face the same pressure and often last longer.
Making the Most of Your Root Canal
To maximize root canal maintenance, patients should brush and floss daily, avoid chewing hard items like ice or pens, and attend routine cleanings and exams. While rare, root canals can occasionally fail due to new decay, hidden canals, or cracks. In these cases, root canal retreatment may be necessary to save the tooth.
Effective, Enduring Root Canal Therapy in Jonesboro, AR
If you’re in the Jonesboro area and looking for a skilled dental team to expertly guide you through root canal therapy, from consultation through aftercare, contact Dr. Lauren Harmon-Grantham and the excellent Dental Solutions team to schedule a consultation!
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Lauren Harmon-Grantham DDS
Lauren Harmon-Grantham, DDS, is a family-friendly dentist dedicated to helping her patients achieve optimal dental health. She believes communication regarding treatment options, financial options, as well as alternatives for anxiety relief, are some of the ...
Dr. Brett Burris DDS
Dr. Brett Burris strives to help his patients achieve the highest possible standards of oral health by providing comprehensive dental care in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. Dr. Burris hopes to make your trip to the ...
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