When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

In this video, Dr. Aaron Bratton explains when a root canal becomes necessary to save a tooth and how early intervention can prevent further complications. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, schedule a consultation at Atkins Dental Clinic today to address the issue promptly and protect your dental health.

If you’ve ever experienced a toothache, you’ve entered the stage where a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth. While we always aim to prevent patients from reaching this point, there are certain situations where a root canal becomes unavoidable.

One common cause is trauma, where a tooth breaks so deeply that the nerve and blood vessels are exposed. In this case, the tooth has suffered irreversible damage. Another is untreated decay that has reached the nerve, leading to infection or an abscess, which causes significant pain and swelling.

We focus on prevention through regular cleanings and early intervention, but if you ever find yourself dealing with severe tooth pain, don’t wait. Addressing the problem promptly can save the tooth and prevent further complications. If you’re in pain, come in and let us help before it gets worse.

OUR DENTAL SERVICES

Hear What Our Patients Are Saying...

Read The Atkins Dental Blog

Learn about the services we provide, and the latest advancements in general, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.

Find Lasting Tooth Replacement With Dental Implants in Morrilton, AR

At first glance, the apple blossom captures hearts with its delicate petals and gentle fragrance. It graces Arkansas each spring with a soft blush of color. But what many never see is what lies beneath the surface: the root system, anchoring the tree through storm and season. While the apple blossom is the celebrated symbol, it’s the roots that [...]

How a Sedation Dentist Can Improve Your Dental Experience

Peace of mind is something we all value, even if we don’t always think about it. It’s woven into the choices we make each day, including how we care for ourselves, plan for the future, and navigate life with confidence. At Atkins Dental Clinic, we believe that peace of mind should be part of every step of your dental [...]

Resin Veneers: A Fast, Affordable Way To Refresh Your Smile

There’s something quietly transformative about a fresh coat of paint. It doesn’t demand attention or move too quickly. But the moment it’s there, everything feels lighter. It’s as if the walls exhale, releasing whatever they’ve held onto. Familiar rooms and corners seem more alert, more defined. When that transformation reaches the front of a house, the change becomes something [...]

Could Occlusal Equilibration Be the Solution to Your Jaw Discomfort?

Sometimes, a big word stares us down—long, unfamiliar, packed with syllables that seem to stretch beyond the edges of understanding. We assume it belongs to someone else, someone who understands it, such as experts or scholars. However, we find that we pull at the threads, bit by bit, and the word starts to unfold. What once felt tangled and [...]

The Real Reason You’re Dealing With Loose Dentures

Progress in medicine doesn’t stop at the first solution. It moves forward when we ask more of it—when we challenge what’s considered “good enough.” A treatment might solve one problem, but the real goal is to improve daily life. Not just making something work, but making it work well. For everyone. Take traditional dentures. They’ve long been the standard [...]

Restore Your Smile With Mini Dental Implants in Pope County, AR

Few trees announce spring as boldly—or as beautifully—as the eastern redbud. Just when winter’s grip begins to loosen, this remarkable tree bursts to life with magenta-pink blossoms. Its early blooms feed hungry bees and hummingbirds, while its leaves support the next generation of native pollinators. The redbud doesn’t simply decorate the landscape—it sustains it. It offers color, shelter, and [...]

All-on-4 Alternatives That Balance Cost and Comfort

Finding the right denture solution can be a journey with many factors to consider. As we weigh our options, three key aspects typically guide our decisions: cost, comfort, and convenience. Conventional dentures might seem like the most affordable choice upfront, but they often bring challenges that can impact your daily life—like discomfort and the constant need for adjustments. Traditional [...]

Root Canal Treatment: Separating Fact From Fiction

When you hear root canal treatment, do you feel a sudden chill creep up your spine? Maybe your palms get a little clammy, and your heart beats faster, and unsettling images—needles, drills, and the sound of something sinister- flash through your mind. It’s the stuff of nightmares, right? But why does this treatment, a routine one at that, stir [...]