Can This Tooth Be Saved?
Understand when root canal treatment may preserve a tooth and when extraction may be more predictable.
Read articleRoot Canal Therapy
Root Canal Treatment in Little Rock, AR
Root canals aren’t what you’ve heard.
Most people are surprised by how comfortable a modern root canal actually is. It’s a way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to come out — and it usually gets you out of pain, not into it. We’ll take care of you gently and explain every step.
Clinical content reviewed byDr. David Cole, DDSReviewed
Saving a tooth, comfortably
A root canal treats the inside of a tooth when it’s been damaged by deep decay, a crack, or infection. We clean out the inflamed or infected tissue from inside the tooth, seal it, and protect it — usually with a crown — so you can keep your own tooth instead of losing it.
The reputation root canals have is mostly out of date. With modern techniques and proper numbing, the procedure itself is generally comfortable. The pain people associate with “root canal” is almost always the pain that brought them in — and the procedure is what relieves it.
Frequently asked questions
Will it hurt?
The procedure itself is done with the area fully numbed, so most people are comfortable throughout. If you’re nervous, tell us — we’ll go at your pace and we’re used to working with anxious patients.
Why not just pull the tooth?
Whenever it’s possible to save your own tooth, that’s usually the better long-term choice for your bite, your jaw, and your other teeth. We’ll talk through the trade-offs honestly so you can decide.
How many visits does it take?
Often one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the situation. We’ll give you a clear plan up front.
What happens after?
Most root-canal-treated teeth get a crown to protect them. We’ll walk you through that step so the tooth holds up well for years to come.
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In pain? Don’t wait it out.
Call us — we’ll get you comfortable, explain every step, and save the tooth if we can.
Located on Kirk Road in West Little Rock
Related services
Emergency dentistry
In pain, broken tooth, or something feels wrong? Call us. We make every effort to see emergencies the same day.
Learn more about Emergency dentistryTooth extractions
When a tooth cannot be saved, we’ll evaluate it carefully, explain your options, and handle the extraction here when it is appropriate.
Learn more about Tooth extractionsRestorative dentistry
Fillings, crowns, bridges, and implant restorations — getting your teeth back to full function, comfortably and without fuss.
Learn more about Restorative dentistry