Does a root canal hurt?

Modern root canals are not the painful experience people imagine. We numb the area completely with local anesthesia before starting. Most patients say the procedure itself is no worse than getting a filling. The pain you feel from the infected tooth before treatment is usually much worse than anything during the root canal. Sedation is available if you are anxious.

How long does a root canal take?

A root canal on a front tooth typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Back teeth (molars) have more root canals and can take 60 to 90 minutes. In some cases, the procedure is completed in one visit. More complex cases may require a second appointment to place the permanent crown.

How do I know if I need a root canal?

Signs that suggest a root canal may be needed include: severe, persistent tooth pain (especially at night), prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed, darkening of the tooth, swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth, and a persistent pimple on the gum. An X-ray and clinical exam confirm the diagnosis.

Is it better to get a root canal or have the tooth pulled?

Saving the natural tooth is almost always better if the tooth can be restored. A root canal plus a crown preserves the tooth, maintains your bite, and avoids the need for an implant or bridge. Extraction is the right choice when the tooth is too damaged to restore or the crack extends below the gumline. We explain both options and help you decide.

How much does an emergency root canal cost in Tulsa?

Root canal costs vary based on which tooth is treated (front teeth cost less than molars because they have fewer canals) and whether a crown is needed afterward. Most PPO dental insurance covers a significant portion of root canal treatment. We provide a detailed estimate before starting.

Root canal treatment procedure at a dental office

Emergency Root Canal Treatment in Tulsa

A root canal saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled. We perform emergency root canals the same day to stop pain and stop infection from spreading.

539-995-5962

What Is a Root Canal and When Is It an Emergency?

A root canal removes infected or damaged tissue (the pulp) from inside a tooth, cleans and disinfects the root canals, and seals them to prevent reinfection. It becomes an emergency when the infection causes severe pain, facial swelling, fever, or an abscess. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the jawbone or other areas. Call 539-995-5962 for a same-day emergency root canal in Tulsa.

Signs You Need an Emergency Root Canal

Not every toothache needs a root canal. But these symptoms together usually point to a pulp infection that does:

Severe, constant pain that throbs and keeps you awake at night. Not just a twinge when you eat something cold, but deep, persistent pain.
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that continues for minutes after the temperature source is removed.
A darkened tooth. When the pulp dies, the tooth can turn gray or dark yellow. This discoloration is visible from the outside.
Swollen, tender gums near the painful tooth, sometimes with a small bump (fistula) that may ooze pus.
Pain when you press on the tooth or bite down. The tooth may feel "taller" than the others.

If you are experiencing several of these symptoms, do not wait. Call us for a same-day evaluation. An X-ray will confirm whether the pulp is infected.

Patient comfortable during emergency root canal treatment in Tulsa

What Happens During a Root Canal

Understanding the procedure takes some of the anxiety out of it. Here is what to expect, step by step:

Numbing

We apply local anesthesia to the tooth and surrounding area. You will not feel sharp pain during the procedure. If you have dental anxiety, sedation is available.

Access

A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber inside.

Cleaning

We remove the infected or dead pulp tissue from the chamber and root canals using specialized instruments. The canals are then cleaned and shaped.

Disinfection

The canals are flushed with an antibacterial solution to kill remaining bacteria.

Filling

The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha that seals them against future infection.

Crown

A temporary or permanent crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength and protect it. Back teeth almost always need a crown after a root canal because they bear heavy chewing forces.

Root Canal vs. Extraction: Which Is Better?

We always lean toward saving the natural tooth when it is possible. A tooth that has had a root canal and is properly crowned can last the rest of your life. It keeps your bite aligned, prevents neighboring teeth from shifting, and avoids the cost and process of replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge.

Extraction becomes the better option when the tooth is cracked vertically through the root, when the root canals are too narrow or curved to clean properly, or when there is not enough tooth structure left to support a crown.

We discuss both options honestly. If extraction is the better path, we will say so. If the tooth can be saved, we will explain what is involved. Learn more about emergency extractions.

Recovery After a Root Canal

Most patients feel significantly better within 24 to 48 hours. The intense pain from the infection is gone because the infected tissue has been removed. Some mild soreness around the tooth is normal for a few days.

Take over-the-counter ibuprofen or the prescribed medication for any remaining discomfort.
Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is placed.
Brush and floss normally, being gentle near the treated area.
Come back for your crown appointment. A root-canaled tooth without a crown is brittle and can fracture.

When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead

Some dental situations need hospital care, not a dental office. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you have: facial swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, swelling spreading toward your eye or down your neck, uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop with firm pressure, or trauma suggesting a broken jaw. For all other dental emergencies, call us at 539-995-5962.

Root Canal Questions

Common questions about emergency root canal treatment.

Do Not Let an Infected Tooth Get Worse

Call now for a same-day emergency root canal in Tulsa. We will stop the pain and save the tooth.

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