Save Your Natural Smile
Root canals have a bad reputation they do not deserve. The truth is simple. A root canal stops pain, it does not cause it. It saves a tooth that would otherwise be lost. At Family First Dental in Rexburg, we keep you numb and comfortable from start to finish.
Dr. Craig Stout has treated teeth for 20 years. He always looks for a way to keep your natural tooth first. When a root canal is the right call, he explains why and shows you the X-ray so it makes sense.
What a root canal does
The soft tissue inside a tooth is called the pulp. It holds the nerves and blood supply. When decay or a crack lets bacteria reach the pulp, it gets infected. That infection causes pain and can spread.
A root canal clears out the infected pulp and seals the tooth. Your tooth stays in place. The pain goes away. You keep chewing on your own tooth instead of replacing it.
When you might need one
Watch for these signs: A toothache that lingers or wakes you up. Sharp pain when you eat or drink something hot. A pimple-like bump on the gum. Swelling or tenderness near one tooth. A tooth that has turned dark.
Pain is not always there. Sometimes an infection shows up on an X-ray before you feel it. That is one more reason regular checkups matter. Deep decay, a cracked tooth, or an old injury can all lead to a root canal down the road.
Why not just pull the tooth
Pulling the tooth is an option, but your own tooth is almost always better. Nothing works quite like the real thing. When you remove a tooth, the teeth around it can shift, and you may need an implant or bridge to fill the gap. A root canal lets you skip all that and keep what you have.
What happens during the visit
First we numb the tooth fully. You should feel pressure, but not pain.
Next Dr. Stout removes the infected pulp and cleans the inside of the tooth. He shapes the space and fills it to seal out bacteria.
A treated tooth is often weaker than before. Many back teeth need a crown afterward to protect them. A crown covers the tooth and helps it last for years. We will tell you if yours needs one.
Most root canals take one or two visits. We plan it around your schedule.
Does it hurt
The procedure itself should not hurt, because the area is numb. Most patients feel relief once the infection is gone.
You may feel a little sore for a day or two after. Over-the-counter pain relief usually handles it. Call us if anything feels off, and we will help.
After your root canal
Stick to soft foods until the numbness wears off. Chew on the other side until your crown is placed. Keep brushing and flossing as normal.
Take care of the tooth, and it can last for many years. A crown adds even more protection.
Stop the pain sooner
Tooth pain rarely fixes itself. The sooner you come in, the more options you have. Call Family First Dental at (208) 400-9946 or book online, and we will get you seen. We also offer payment plans through Cherry and WellCredit if you need them.
What happens if you wait
An infected tooth does not heal on its own. Left alone, the infection can grow into an abscess, a painful pocket of pus. It can spread to the bone and nearby teeth. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to lose the tooth for good. Treating it early keeps things simple.
How long a treated tooth lasts
Root canals work well. A treated tooth, capped with a crown, can last the rest of your life with good care. You brush and floss it like any other tooth and keep up your checkups.
Root canal or pull and replace
Saving your tooth is usually cheaper and faster than pulling it and adding an implant or bridge later. It also means no gap and no shifting teeth. Dr. Stout will give you an honest read on whether your tooth can be saved.
Common myths, cleared up
You may have heard that root canals are very painful. With today’s methods and good numbing, most feel about like getting a filling. You may have also heard a myth that root canals make you sick. That claim comes from old, disproven research. A root canal removes infection and protects your health.
In pain right now
A bad toothache is hard to ignore, and it should not wait. We keep room for urgent visits. Call us, describe what you feel, and we will get you seen quickly to stop the pain.
The crown that follows
For a back tooth, the crown is an important last step. A root canal hollows out the tooth, which can make it brittle. A crown caps it and spreads out the force of chewing, so the tooth does not crack. We often place a temporary cover first, then fit the final crown at a later visit. Front teeth do not always need a crown, and Dr. Stout will tell you what yours needs.
Ready To Schedule Your Appointment?
Our friendly team at Family First Dental is here to help! Contact our office in Rexburg today and let us take care of your dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a root canal hurt?
The tooth is numb, so the procedure should not hurt. Most people feel relief once the infection is gone.
How many visits does it take?
Usually one or two. A back tooth often needs a crown afterward to protect it.
Can I just have the tooth pulled instead?
You can, but saving your tooth is usually cheaper and avoids gaps and shifting teeth. Dr. Stout will give you an honest read.