Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to save a tooth that is badly damaged or infected. It involves removing the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) and then cleaning and filling the space.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

  • Severe toothache: This pain may be constant or come and go, and it may worsen when you chew or apply pressure to the tooth.
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold: Lingering pain after exposure to hot or cold foods or drinks.
  • Swollen or tender gums: The gums around the affected tooth may be swollen, red, or tender to the touch.
  • Darkening of the tooth: The tooth may appear darker than the surrounding teeth.
  • Pimple on the gums: A small, pimple-like bump may appear on the gums near the affected tooth.
  • Deep tooth decay: When decay reaches the pulp, bacteria can enter and cause infection.
  • Cracked or chipped tooth: This can allow bacteria to enter the pulp.
  • Repeated dental procedures: Multiple fillings or crowns on the same tooth can irritate the pulp.
  • Trauma to the tooth: Even if the tooth doesn't appear damaged, a blow to the tooth can injure the pulp.

The Root Canal Procedure

  1. X-rays: The dentist will take X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and determine the shape of the root canals.
  2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area around the tooth.
  3. Access: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
  4. Pulp removal: The infected or damaged pulp is removed from the tooth.
  5. Cleaning and shaping: The root canals are cleaned and shaped to prepare them for filling.
  6. Filling: The root canals are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, to seal them and prevent further infection.
  7. Sealing: A temporary filling is placed to seal the opening in the tooth.
  8. Crown: In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its strength and function.

Is it Painful?

Thanks to local anesthesia, root canal treatment is generally no more painful than getting a filling. You may experience some soreness or tenderness after the procedure, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

  • Saves your natural tooth: A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth, which is always the best option for your oral health.
  • Relieves pain: Root canal treatment eliminates the pain caused by an infected tooth.
  • Improves oral health: By removing the infection, a root canal can prevent the spread of infection to other teeth and surrounding tissues.
  • Restores function: A root canal allows you to chew and bite normally on the affected tooth.
  • Improves appearance: A crown placed after a root canal can improve the appearance of the tooth.

After Your Root Canal

  • Avoid chewing on hard foods: Until the crown is placed, avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods on the treated tooth.
  • Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  • See your dentist for follow-up: You will need to see your dentist for follow-up appointments to ensure the tooth is healing properly and to have the permanent crown placed.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that suggest you may need a root canal, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help save your tooth and prevent further complications.

Ready to improve your dental health?

Book an appointment with our experienced team today.