What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure

Let’s be honest—no one gets excited about needing a root canal. But here’s the good news: it’s not nearly as bad as its reputation suggests. In fact, most people are surprised by how straightforward it is. And more importantly, how much better they feel afterward.

At Neaville Family Dentistry in Searcy, AR, Dr. Keith Neaville performs root canals with a gentle hand and a clear goal—get you out of pain and back to feeling like yourself.

First Things First: Why a Root Canal?

Root canals aren’t just about fixing teeth—they’re about stopping pain at its source. If a tooth is deeply decayed or has suffered a crack or trauma, bacteria can reach the inner pulp. That’s when nerves become inflamed or infected, and things start to hurt.

A root canal removes the problem at the root (literally), so the rest of the tooth can be saved.

What the Appointment Actually Looks Like

After numbing the area, Dr. Neaville makes a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber — the soft inner tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. From there, he cleans out each root canal, which are the narrow passageways that run from the center of the tooth down through the roots. These canals are disinfected, shaped, and then filled to prevent future infection. Once that’s done, the opening is sealed. In many cases, a crown is placed to restore strength and function.

You won’t feel pain during the procedure — and for many patients, it’s easier than expected. Think: longer appointment, less drama.

Healing and What’s Next

You might feel sore for a day or two, especially if the infection was active. But it’s manageable with over-the-counter pain relief, and most people bounce back quickly. Dr. Neaville will make sure you know what to watch for as your tooth settles in.

Root Canal Therapy at Neaville Family Dentistry in Searcy, AR

At Neaville Family Dentistry, Dr. Keith Neaville combines modern techniques with a calm, honest approach. If a tooth is acting up, don’t wait for it to get worse. A root canal could be the simplest way to stop the pain and save your smile.

It’s not nearly as scary as it sounds — and it might just be the best decision you make for your teeth.

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Categorised in: Root Canal Therapy