A root canal is a procedure that is performed to save a tooth that is infected. It involves removing the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth, refilling it, and sealing it. The purpose of a root canal is to alleviate infection in the tooth and prevent future infections. After the procedure, many patients experience relief from tooth pain and are able to resume their normal activities.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that helps save an infected or decayed tooth. During the treatment, the dentist or endodontist removes the infected tissue from the inner part of the tooth and seals it. Although the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth are important, the tooth can still function normally without them. Getting a root canal can prevent the need for a tooth extraction, which can leave a gap in your smile.
A root canal removes the dead pulp in order to:
- Removing the diseased or decayed pulp during a root canal can eliminate infection that may cause tooth loss, pain, or other health problems.
- A root canal can help prevent future infections by completely removing the infected or damaged pulp, which may otherwise continue to spread and cause further issues.
- Root canals have made it possible to save teeth that would have otherwise been extracted due to diseased or damaged pulp. In the past, tooth extraction was the usual solution for such cases, but now root canals have become a viable option that can help save your tooth. Even if the tooth has significant damage from disease or accidents, root canal treatment can save it and allow it to last for the rest of your life.
Root Canal Signs And Symptoms
A root canal procedure, also known as endodontic treatment, is performed to save a tooth that has an inflamed or infected pulp. Although sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms, most patients experience pain or exhibit another symptom, such as infection, which alerts the dentist that a root canal is necessary.
Factors that can weaken enamel and dentin, such as severe tooth decay, cracked, chipped, or broken teeth, or repeated dental work, can expose a tooth pulp to bacteria that cause infection. An infection usually provides some warning signs.
Signs you may need a root canal
If the pulp of your tooth becomes diseased, it can lead to infection, which may cause various symptoms. While some patients may not experience noticeable symptoms, others may experience:
- Tooth pain
- Prolonged or increased sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure
- Discoloration or a large cavity on the tooth
- A foul taste in the mouth, even after brushing
- Pus draining into the mouth
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
What is the function of the tooth pulp?
The tooth pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth and is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. It spans through the center and into each of the roots of the tooth. The tooth pulp has three main functions: it provides sensory function through a network of nerves that sense hot and cold, it forms the hard secondary layer of the tooth known as dentin, and it nourishes the tooth through blood vessels. While the pulp supplies nutrients to a growing tooth, a fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp as it is nourished by surrounding tissues.
The root canal procedure
Root canals, also called endodontic therapy, are fairly common procedures, and the experience is similar to having a cavity filled.
During a root canal, your dentist first removes all of a tooth’s diseased pulp, and then cleans the area. This is typically the most time-consuming part of the procedure, as your dentist needs to clean out the infection and bacteria remains. The space where the pulp used to be is filled with a non-reactive and biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and topped with a temporary filling. After a few weeks, your dentist removes the filling, checking again for any bacteria, and applies a permanent crown if needed.
What to do if you need a root canal
If you suspect that you may need a root canal, it is important to call us as soon as possible. The sooner we can diagnose the problem, the better chance we have of saving your tooth with less extensive treatment.
Don’t let the fear of pain hold you back from seeking treatment. Most of our patients report feeling little to no pain during their root canal procedure. In fact, studies have shown that those who have had a root canal are six times more likely to describe the procedure as “painless” compared to those who have not undergone the treatment.
FAQs
Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth and filling the resulting space with a special material. It is done to save a tooth that is badly decayed, infected, or injured.
Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is not a painful procedure. Local anesthesia is used to numb the tooth and the surrounding area, which makes the procedure virtually painless. After the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
The length of a root canal treatment can vary depending on the severity of the case and the complexity of the tooth’s anatomy. However, most root canal treatments can be completed in one or two appointments, each lasting about 90 minutes.
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or inflamed. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause pain and swelling. Root canal treatment can save the affected tooth and prevent the need for extraction. Your dentist can determine if root canal treatment is necessary after an examination and X-rays.
