Experiencing a persistent toothache? Or have you experienced an abscess in a tooth root? If so, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy – and while that doesn’t sound great, there is no need for anxiety. Modern dentistry techniques mean that a root canal is a straightforward and routine procedure.

What is a root canal? It’s a common dental process designed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. This article will explore everything about root canals, including why you might need one and what to expect during and after the procedure.

Root canals sometimes have a bad reputation. But, root canal therapy is often the best option compared to tooth extraction. We’ll explain why it’s often less painful than living with decay or infection. We’ll also discuss the cost and what dental insurance policies provide. This article aims to dispel fears and provide information to ease anxiety. 

Table of Contents:

Why Would You Need a Root Canal?

Root canals become necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth (called the “pulp,” which contains blood vessels and connective tissue) gets inflamed or infected. Several factors can cause this.

If a tooth experiences deep decay, or if you have a cracked tooth, a root canal might be the best response. Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth may also necessitate a root canal. Sometimes, even an injury without visible damage can harm the tooth pulp. 

Untreated pulp inflammation or infection can lead to an abscess and severe pain – which would likely necessitate an emergency root canal.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

While infections can sometimes be silent, there are key signs to watch for. These include severe pain when biting or chewing and prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold.

Other signs can be swollen and tender gums, deep decay, and tooth discoloration. A sore that looks like a pimple on your gums or even a swollen jaw can indicate infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms, see a dentist immediately. Early intervention increases the success rate of endodontic treatment.

What is a Root Canal: The Procedure Explained

Again, do not panic if you are recommended for a root canal. Contrary to common belief, a modern root canal procedure is typically not much different than a filling. 

During the procedure, a dentist or endodontist (both types of providers can perform a root canal) numbs the problem area with local anesthesia, providing the patient with a pain-free process.

A dental dam is put in place to isolate the tooth, creating a sterile environment. A small opening is then created in the affected tooth to provide access to the pulp chamber. The dentist then removes the infected pulp.

The dentist cleans, shapes, and fills the root canals. The tooth is sealed, and often, a temporary filling is placed. The patient then returns for a permanent restoration (a crown) later.

This procedure can often be done in one appointment if performed by a root canal specialist, but it usually requires two separate visits.

Step-by-Step Root Canal Procedure

      1. Examination & Anesthesia: The dentist or endodontist examines the tooth, often using X-rays, and administers local anesthesia.
      2. Isolation: A dental dam isolates the tooth to maintain a clean operating field.
      3. Pulp Removal: An opening is created in the tooth to access and remove the infected pulp.
      4. Cleaning and Shaping: Small instruments clean and shape the root canals for filling.
      5. Filling and Sealing: Canals are filled with gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, to prevent reinfection. The tooth continues healing, but from the inside.
      6. Restoration: A permanent crown restores the tooth and protects it. Root canal specialists can usually restore chewing function effectively.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from a root canal is generally quick. Your tooth might have some lingering sensitivity for a few days, and tender gums from deep decay may also linger.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient. Consult your dentist or endodontist if the pain persists or if you experience biting pimples after the procedure.

Eat soft foods immediately after treatment and avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent crown is in place. Good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing, contributes to treatment success.

Root Canal Alternatives

Tooth extraction, followed by a dental implant or bridge, are alternatives. But anytime you can save your natural teeth is the ideal approach. 

The cost of a root canal varies depending on the specific treatment required.

A severely damaged or fractured tooth may need alternative procedures to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting into the extracted tooth space. Canal therapy may not be suitable for excessive damage or fractures. Your dentist will discuss other options if a root canal won’t work.

For instance, if the tooth root is significantly damaged or the tooth continues to cause pain despite root canal therapy, an extraction with replacement using an implant or bridge could be the most suitable course of action to prevent adjacent teeth problems.

Conclusion

So, what is a root canal? It’s a procedure that can save your natural tooth and restore its function. Advancements in dentistry and anesthetics mean canal procedures are generally no more painful than a filling.

Understanding all the steps involved in root canal therapy can ease anxiety. Prompt treatment for an infected root is important to prevent further complications, such as the potential spread of infection and damage to the tissues surrounding the tooth.

What is a root canal’s impact on oral health? A root canal can prevent the need for extraction, maintaining your natural smile and chewing function. The more you understand this treatment, the better you can care for your teeth. Seeking timely intervention for tooth pain, deep decay, cracked tooth lingering sensitivity, and other symptoms can allow you to maintain healthy teeth.

If you think you have a tooth infection, cracked tooth, or suspect you may require a root canal, do not hesitate, call your dentist right away. And if you do not have a dentist, please know that BGW Dental Group offers quick, precise, and complete dental care to patients throughout north Georgia. Contact us today at 678-944-8295 and see which of our three locations fits your needs.