Root Canal Treatment in Owasso, OK
A root canal is needed when decay or bacteria have spread deep into a tooth and reached the pulp, the soft inner tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. This infection is often very painful, and because it happens inside the tooth, you may not see any visible damage. At Dental Solutions, Dr. Mark Curtis performs gentle root canal treatment to remove the infection, relieve your pain, and save your natural tooth.
Book OnlineSigns You May Need a Root Canal
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when chewing or touching the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the nearby gums
- Bleeding, a pimple-like bump on the gum, or bad breath
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
Some infected teeth cause few symptoms at first, which is why digital X-rays taken during your regular exams are so important. If you have sudden, severe pain or swelling, visit our emergency dental care page or call us right away.
What Happens During a Root Canal
Modern root canal treatment is much more comfortable than its reputation suggests, and most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. After numbing the area, Dr. Curtis creates a small opening in the tooth, carefully removes the infected pulp, and cleans and disinfects the inside of the root canals. The space is then filled and sealed to prevent reinfection.
Protecting the Tooth After Treatment
Teeth that have had a root canal can become more brittle over time, especially back teeth used for chewing. In most cases, we recommend a custom dental crown to restore the tooth’s strength and protect it for years to come.
Why Saving Your Natural Tooth Matters
Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain your bite, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and preserves the jawbone. A root canal is often the most conservative and cost-effective way to stop infection while keeping your smile intact.
Call (918) 272-5387 if you’re experiencing tooth pain.
Root Canal FAQs
Does a root canal hurt?
No. With local anesthetic, most patients feel little discomfort, and the treatment relieves the pain caused by the infection.
How long does a root canal take?
Most root canals can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes.
What causes the need for a root canal?
Deep decay, a cracked tooth, repeated dental work, or trauma can allow bacteria to reach and infect the tooth’s pulp.
Will I need a crown after my root canal?
In most cases, yes. A crown protects the treated tooth from breaking and restores full chewing function.
What is recovery like after a root canal?
Mild tenderness for a few days is common and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients return to normal activities the same day.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal?
The infection can spread, cause an abscess, damage surrounding bone, and eventually lead to tooth loss.
Is a root canal better than pulling the tooth?
Saving your natural tooth is usually the best option because it preserves your bite and jawbone and avoids the need for tooth replacement.