Root canals, also known as root canal treatment or endodontic therapy, are a standard dental procedure for removing infection from the inside of a tooth. The procedure is done when an infection reaches the pulp, which comprises nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
While root canal treatment is serious, it is a routine procedure for dental specialists. It can relieve severe tooth pain and prevent the need for an extraction. If your dentist believes that a root canal is your best option, it is vital to take the recommendation seriously. Infected pulp can cause acute problems that require further medical intervention if left untreated.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is not the treatment, but the part of the tooth treated during endodontic therapy. The procedure has become known as a Root Canal; however, the root canal is the hollow part of a tooth that contains the pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue that lies at the center of a tooth and is vital during tooth development. It nourishes the tooth and gives it nutrients that help it grow correctly.
Endodontic therapy is necessary when an infection reaches the pulp. An infection that far into the tooth can be extremely painful as the nerves in the pulp become inflamed and sensitive. If you experience severe pain when eating and drinking hot and cold things, you may need a root canal procedure. The pulp is removed during this procedure, and the tooth is filled to stop the pain and prevent future infections.
How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?
If your dentist does an x-ray and sees damaged pulp, a root canal is the best way to prevent abscesses and relieve pain. Some of the common symptoms that indicate the potential need for a root canal include:
- Pimples or boils on the gums
- A swollen jaw
- Tooth discoloration
- A loose tooth
- Persistent pain while chewing
- Swollen gums
Other signs that might cause a dentist to recommend a root canal are decay within the tooth that penetrates below the dentin into the root system. A cracked tooth, deep cavity, or loose filling can allow bacteria to enter the tooth and reach the pulp. If left untreated, the bacteria can eradicate the pulp and eventually reach the bone.
An infection of the bone is extremely dire and may weaken the bone and destroy it. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is vital to see a dentist immediately so they can prevent the spread of bacteria throughout the tooth. If ignored, it may appear that the tooth has healed, while the infection has actually killed the pulp and progressed into the roots. Signs of this level of infection include:
- Swollen gums
- Pus oozing from the tooth
- Swollen cheek and jaw
- The tooth rapidly changes color
What Does a Root Canal Procedure Entail?
A root canal procedure has four phases, and depending on the severity of your infection, it may take up to three separate appointments to complete.
- Your dentist will take x-rays to properly visualize what’s happening inside your teeth so they can plan how they will approach the procedure. They will administer local anesthetic and prepare the area with a dental dam to keep the tooth dry during the procedure.
- The dentist will create an opening large enough to maneuver the instruments in. There may be some pain while the tooth is cleaned out because the pulp, nerves, and blood vessels will all be removed. If the pain is unbearable, let your specialist know because you may need more anesthetic.
- Once the area is completely hollow, your dentist will decontaminate the chamber and fill it with a dental rubber to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth again. Because the nerve tissue will be gone, you should have no sensation left in the tooth. Your provider will place a temporary filling to protect the chamber until the tooth is ready for the final step.
- The tooth, now dead, will require a permanent crown or filling to prevent breakage. Without nourishment, the tooth will become more brittle and prone to chips and cracks. Your dentist will place a crown when they are confident that the area is properly healed and there is no more infection present.
How Painful is a Root Canal?
When performed by a trained professional, you should be given enough time for the anesthetic to work properly before the procedure begins. You should only feel minimal discomfort, so alert your dentist immediately if you feel sharp pain. A root canal is meant to relieve your pain, not exacerbate it, so don’t worry about the severe pain root canals are rumored to cause.
After the procedure, you may feel soreness around the tooth and some sensitivity in the surrounding teeth, especially if the infection was severe. If you feel pressure or pain in the tooth, call your dentist to schedule a follow-up. Due to the advancements made in dental medicine in the last decade, a root canal should be no more painful than a regular filling.
The Best Way to Rescue an Infected Tooth
While the thought of a root canal makes most people uneasy, it’s important to remember that this is a common procedure designed to relieve pain and save your tooth. With modern techniques, tools, and proper anesthesia, root canal treatment should only be mildly uncomfortable.
If your dentist recommends a root canal based on your symptoms and x-ray findings, it is best to get it done promptly. Delaying treatment allows any infection to spread further into the roots and jawbone, which can lead to an abscess or other serious complications.
Don’t let outdated myths and rumors deter you from getting this tooth-saving treatment. If you follow your dentist’s instructions and maintain oral hygiene, you will quickly regain a happy, painless smile. The treatment is a safe and effective way to preserve your natural teeth.