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7905 East 106th Street Tulsa, OK 74133

Root Canal Tulsa, OK

Are you in serious tooth pain? Have you let a cavity go unaddressed for far too long?

Roots canals are a conservative dental procedure that we provide at our dental practice to treat advanced tooth decay. Root canals allow for the preservation of most of the natural tooth, helping you maintain the function of your bite, structure of your teeth, and health of your gums.

Your experienced dentist in Tulsa, OK, Dr. Henrich will always attempt to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. Our focus is to improve your long-term oral health with the least amount of dental procedures. Root canal infections typically occur in teeth that have advanced tooth decay. A chip, crack, or otherwise compromised tooth enamel can allow bacteria to enter the pulp of the tooth. Infection can spread causing discomfort, swelling or tooth sensitivity.

Are Root Canals Painful?

Many people think that root canals are a painful dental treatment when in truth, this procedure commonly alleviates tooth pain. The infection inside the tooth pulp is what causes the pain that you are feeling. Once our dentist clears and cleans your affected tooth, you will enjoy the relief from discomfort and tenderness.

Reasons for a Root Canal Treatment

Our dentist may recommend a root canal treatment if he finds infected pulp inside of the tooth that is causing you pain. Infected tooth pulp is the number one source of tooth pain. A root canal treatment is the only way to remove the infection and restore the health of your tooth. You may also need a root canal in the case of advanced tooth decay, extensive tooth damage, a broken restoration, or repeated trauma to the affected area.

If you do not address these concerns, it may result in an abscess, gum pain, gum infections, or a more complex dental problem like periodontal disease. A root canal may help preserve your natural tooth and avoid the need for an extraction. Our team can work with you to determine if a root canal treatment is right for you.

What to Expect from a Root Canal at Henrich Dental

We will preform the root canal procedure using a local anesthetic for your optimal comfort. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during their treatment and recovery time is generally about 1-2 days. Dr. Henrich will complete your root canal procedure from the comfort of our Tulsa, OK dental office.

First, he will drill small hole into the back side of the infected tooth. Through this hole, Dr. Henrich will use a special tool to remove all of the decayed and diseased pulp from the inside of the tooth. Next, he will thoroughly clean it and then fill it with a biocompatible composite filling to protect the structure of the tooth.

Many patients will receive a dental crown after a root canal. We design the dental crown to strengthen the tooth and prevent further damage and decay. We will also make sure to match the color, shape, and size of your natural tooth to create a beautiful and lasting result.

Root Canal Aftercare

A root canal is an essential dental treatment that involves removing the infected pulp from a decayed or impacted (trapped) tooth. This procedure helps restore the integrity of the tooth, and can even save a tooth from extraction. After your root canal is complete, it is important to take proper care of the treated area in order to ensure a successful outcome. Here are some helpful tips to help you with the root canal aftercare process.

First and foremost, be sure to follow all of our dentist’s instructions. This may include avoiding hard or chewy foods, as these can irritate and injure the gums and consequently, cause further damage to the tooth. It is also important to diligently brush and floss around the treated area twice a day. This helps to remove food and plaque, and, in turn, prevents any additional dental problems from developing.

Another thing to consider is taking pain medication if we prescribe any. While you should expect some discomfort after treatment, you should take the appropriate medications to help minimize any swelling. We recommend icing the treated area for 10-20 minutes at a time to prevent excessive discomfort.

Finally, it is also important to monitor for any signs of infection. If you notice any signs and symptoms of infection, including fever, swollen lymph nodes, and swelling in the facial area, be sure to call Dr. Henrich immediately.

Following these steps will help ensure that you have a successful outcome after your root canal procedure. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your root canal aftercare, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!


Root Canal FAQs

I’m scared of a root canal. What are my other options?

Once your tooth is at the point where it needs a root canal, your dentist can’t do much else to save it. The dentist needs to remove the infection or it can cause serious damage to your oral health and can even affect your overall health. The only other option would be to extract the tooth and replace it with a dental prosthesis. Many people fear a root canal because of the pain but the truth is a root canal will actually alleviate the pain that they are feeling.

How can I avoid the need for a root canal?

Practice good oral hygiene! This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and visiting Henrich Dental every six months for a routine oral health checkup. These steps will help avoid tooth decay and gum disease both of which can lead to infections in the root canal. Also, routine checkups are important because your dentist can spot cracks in the tooth that will allow bacteria to enter the tooth and cause an infection.

What should I expect after a root canal procedure?

After the root canal procedure, you will most likely feel better. Most of the pain associated with a root canal is from the infection itself causing pressure from inflammation. You may feel some discomfort and sensitivity especially while chewing for a few days. We recommend chewing on the opposite side of your mouth until this subsides. You can also take some over the counter pain medication when necessary. After about a week, you should feel better. If you are still experiencing pain, please call our office for further assistance.

Visit Henrich Dental for routine dental care today. During your dental exam, we can determine if you need any further treatments to restore your smile to the best health. To schedule an appointment, call (918) 262-4731 or request an appointment online today.