Emergency & Other Surgical

Root Canal

Possibly the most dreaded dental treatment we offer, many patients are surprised to find out that root canals are actually relatively painless procedures. The discomfort most patients associate with root canal treatment is caused by the infection and toothache that precedes treatment.

Root canals are necessary when decay or damage accesses the very inner layer of teeth. This inner layer is known as pulp, and the entire nerve structure of the tooth is housed within the pulp. Thus, these infections directly access and irritate dental nerves leading to severe pain. Root canal therapy allows us to relieve pain, renew dental function, and avoid unnecessary tooth extractions.

Root canals have a reputation for being among the most painful dental procedures. Luckily, Dr. Arrington and Dr. Rowland are more than capable of performing this treatment with minimal discomfort. In fact, root canal therapy often relieves dental pain instead of exacerbating it. If you are currently experiencing a severe toothache or painful sensitivity, contact Hamilton Family Dentistry today. The sooner you can see us, the sooner we can relieve your pain and save your tooth.

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  • What Is a Root Canal?

    The root canals are actually the tiny pathways inside the inner chamber of the tooth known as the pulp. Through the root canals, the tooth’s nerves run out into the gums and then to the rest of the body. As a dental procedure, root canal therapy is an advanced treatment used to repair extensive tooth decay and damage that has reached the delicate nerves of the tooth. The pain typically associated with root canal therapy actually refers to the irritation of the tooth’s nerve structure that causes intense discomfort.

  • How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?

    While the only way to know for sure whether you need a root canal is to visit our office for a dental examination, there are a few signs you can notice on your own that might warrant the procedure. Some of these signs include:

    • An intense, throbbing toothache
    • A sharp pain when biting down
    • Severe sensitivity to heat and cold
    • Dark discoloration in the tooth and nearby gums
    • Infected gum tissue or sores around the affected tooth

  • What Can I Expect During Root Canal Treatment?

    Depending on how severe your situation is, your root canal may take place over the course of several appointments. We begin by creating a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp. Next, we use dental files to remove the damaged nerve and pulp. In certain cases, we may directly apply a topical antibiotic to rid the area of harmful bacteria. Once all of the decay and damage has been removed from the tooth, we refill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Lastly, we seal the access hole back up. More often than not, a dental crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect it from further damage.

  • How Do I Care for My Smile After Root Canal Treatment?

    After your root canal procedure, chances are you’ll feel significantly better. Most of our patients report immediate relief from pain and sensitivity once their treatment is over. You may experience some degree of soreness for the next few days, but this is nothing that can’t be managed by taking an over-the-counter pain medication or apply a cold compress to your cheek in ten-minute intervals for up to an hour. Once your discomfort subsides, you can go back to regular brushing, flossing, and enjoying your favorite foods and drinks to your heart’s content. Be on the lookout for any changes in your bite or lingering discomfort. If you discover any causes for concern, call us right away.

  • What Is a Root Canal?
    image description

    The root canals are actually the tiny pathways inside the inner chamber of the tooth known as the pulp. Through the root canals, the tooth’s nerves run out into the gums and then to the rest of the body. As a dental procedure, root canal therapy is an advanced treatment used to repair extensive tooth decay and damage that has reached the delicate nerves of the tooth. The pain typically associated with root canal therapy actually refers to the irritation of the tooth’s nerve structure that causes intense discomfort.

  • How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
    image description

    While the only way to know for sure whether you need a root canal is to visit our office for a dental examination, there are a few signs you can notice on your own that might warrant the procedure. Some of these signs include:

    • An intense, throbbing toothache
    • A sharp pain when biting down
    • Severe sensitivity to heat and cold
    • Dark discoloration in the tooth and nearby gums
    • Infected gum tissue or sores around the affected tooth
  • What Can I Expect During Root Canal Treatment?
    image description

    Depending on how severe your situation is, your root canal may take place over the course of several appointments. We begin by creating a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp. Next, we use dental files to remove the damaged nerve and pulp. In certain cases, we may directly apply a topical antibiotic to rid the area of harmful bacteria. Once all of the decay and damage has been removed from the tooth, we refill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. Lastly, we seal the access hole back up. More often than not, a dental crown is placed on top of the tooth to protect it from further damage.

  • How Do I Care for My Smile After Root Canal Treatment?
    image description

    After your root canal procedure, chances are you’ll feel significantly better. Most of our patients report immediate relief from pain and sensitivity once their treatment is over. You may experience some degree of soreness for the next few days, but this is nothing that can’t be managed by taking an over-the-counter pain medication or apply a cold compress to your cheek in ten-minute intervals for up to an hour. Once your discomfort subsides, you can go back to regular brushing, flossing, and enjoying your favorite foods and drinks to your heart’s content. Be on the lookout for any changes in your bite or lingering discomfort. If you discover any causes for concern, call us right away.

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Service Area

Harris County
  • Hamilton
  • Waverly Hall
  • Shiloh
  • Pine Mountain
  • Cataula
  • Fortson
  • Ellerslie
Muscogee County
  • Columbus
  • Midland
  • Upatoi
Russell County
  • Phenix City, AL
Troup County
  • Hogansville
  • LaGrange
  • West Point
Chambers County
  • Valley, AL
  • Lanett, AL
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