Root canal treatment in Hot Springs and Malvern, AR, can help relieve pain, treat infection, and save a natural tooth. When the inside of a tooth becomes infected, there are two main options: extract the tooth, leaving a noticeable gap, or save the tooth with endodontic treatment, otherwise known as a root canal.
At Porter Dental Health Clinic, Dr. Lance Porter and Dr. Jacob Purifoy each earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and provide root canal treatment with a focus on comfort, precision, and long-term oral health. A root canal involves removing the infected material from the tooth and sealing it off, helping protect against future infection while allowing the tooth to look and function like the surrounding healthy teeth. You will be able to chew, bite, laugh, smile, and talk as if nothing happened.
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What is a Root Canal?
“Root canal” refers to both a dental procedure and a location in a tooth. The root canal is a natural cavity at the center of the tooth that contains nerves and dental pulp (i.e., soft tissue).
As the teeth grow and develop, the root canal provides nutrients to the tooth. But after the tooth has emerged through the gums, the pulp and nerve no longer serve any necessary function. Should the root canal become infected, the nerve and pulp must be removed to save the tooth.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
The only way to know for sure that you have an infected tooth and need a root canal is to see Dr. Porter or Dr. Purifoy. They will perform a comprehensive exam and take X-rays to look for dental decay and infection.
Signs that you should schedule an appointment with Porter Dental Health Clinic as soon as possible include the following:
- Severe pain when eating or putting pressure on a tooth
- Chronic, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages
- A pimple-like bump on the gums near the area where you are experiencing tooth pain
- Gum swelling or tenderness near the area where you are experiencing tooth pain
- Apparent darkening of the tooth
Not every type of tooth pain indicates a problem that requires a root canal. However, it is best to see Porter Dental Health Clinic to either confirm or rule out a tooth infection.
What Happens If Tooth Infection Is Left Untreated?
An infected tooth requires professional care. Without treatment, bacteria can continue spreading through the tooth root and into nearby bone or gum tissue. This can lead to worsening pain, swelling, abscess development, and a higher risk of losing the tooth.
Delaying care may also limit treatment options. A tooth that could have been saved with a root canal may eventually require extraction if the infection progresses. Prompt evaluation helps relieve discomfort and protect overall oral health.
What to Expect during a Root Canal
If you have been told you need a root canal or are experiencing symptoms that suggest you may need one, there is no reason to worry. Porter Dental Health Clinic goes to great lengths to ensure you are comfortable and do not experience pain during the procedure.
First, your tooth and the surrounding area will be completely numbed, so you do not feel anything during the root canal. The dentist creates a small opening in the infected tooth and removes all infected tissue and nerves, along with other debris.
Once this material has been cleaned out, he disinfects the inside of the tooth to protect against future infections. He then inserts a rubber filling material called gutta-percha into the tooth’s root canal.
Finally, he places a filling over the exterior access hole. Depending on the condition of your tooth, he may recommend placing a crown or another restoration to protect and restore it to normal function.
Recovery After A Root Canal
Most patients can return to normal daily activities shortly after root canal treatment. Some tenderness or mild soreness may occur for a few days, especially if the tooth was painful or infected before treatment. This discomfort is typically manageable with the dentist’s instructions and appropriate over-the-counter medication.
During recovery, it is important to avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until the final restoration is complete. If a crown is recommended, placing it as directed can help protect the tooth from fracture and restore long-term strength. Patients should contact Porter Dental Health Clinic if pain worsens, swelling develops, or the bite feels uneven after treatment.
Why Choose Porter Dental Health Clinic For Root Canal Treatment?
Porter Dental Health Clinic provides root canal treatment with a focus on patient comfort, accurate diagnosis, and long-term tooth preservation. Dr. Lance Porter earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee-Memphis and returned to his Hot Springs community to provide compassionate dental care. Dr. Jacob Purifoy earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Louisiana State University-New Orleans and is dedicated to personalized, high-quality dentistry.
Both dentists are members of respected professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Arkansas State Dental Association. Dr. Purifoy is also a recipient of the 2026 Whip Mix Corporation “Best of the Best” Prosthodontics Award. Their combined training, local commitment, and restorative experience support careful care for patients with tooth pain and infection.
Relief From Tooth Infection In Hot Springs & Malvern, AR
Tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling should be evaluated promptly to determine whether root canal treatment is needed. Porter Dental Health Clinic provides careful diagnosis and treatment designed to relieve discomfort, protect oral health, and preserve natural teeth whenever possible. To schedule a consultation, contact us at 501-624-2778.