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Hearing the words “root canal” can cause anxiety for many people – but modern root canal therapy is safe, effective, and often no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. At Cox Family Dentistry, we offer gentle root canal treatment in Sikeston, MO to relieve pain, save natural teeth, and prevent more serious dental complications.
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, a root canal may be the solution to restore your health and comfort – without needing to extract the tooth.
A root canal (also called endodontic therapy) is a procedure used to treat infection or damage inside the tooth. When the pulp – the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels – becomes infected due to deep decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth, a root canal is necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth.
During the procedure, Dr. Sam Cox will carefully clean out the infected tissue, disinfect the root canals, and seal the space to prevent further issues. The tooth is then restored with a filling or crown for full function and protection.
Tooth pain isn’t always a cavity. If the pulp is infected or inflamed, you may experience:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait – early treatment can save your tooth and prevent the infection from spreading.
At Cox Family Dentistry, we use advanced techniques and technology to make your root canal experience as smooth and painless as possible. Here’s what the process typically involves:
We begin with a comprehensive exam and digital X-rays to assess the condition of the tooth and confirm whether a root canal is needed.
The area is completely numbed to ensure your comfort during the procedure. If you’re anxious, let us know – we’ll take extra steps to help you relax.
Dr. Cox creates a small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp. The canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected thoroughly.
After cleaning, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material, and the tooth is sealed to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
Most teeth that undergo root canal treatment require a dental crown to restore strength and protect the tooth long-term. We’ll schedule a follow-up to complete that step.
Contrary to common myths, root canals are not painful – they actually relieve pain caused by infection or inflammation. With modern techniques and local anesthesia, the procedure is typically no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
After treatment, you may experience mild soreness for a day or two, which can be managed with over-the-counter medication. Most patients return to normal activities the very next day.
Whenever possible, it’s best to save your natural teeth. Root canal therapy allows you to:
By addressing the problem early, we can help you avoid more complex and costly procedures in the future.