Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are one of the most misunderstood dental procedures. Many people wrongly assume that they are painful, but this is not accurate!
In reality, root canal therapy can be necessary to alleviate pain or toothaches. Tooth pain is not caused by root canals; it occurs when you don’t get one when it’s truly needed!
Infections within a tooth occur when decay penetrates deep enough to reach the tooth pulp. If the decay-causing bacteria infect the pulp, it must be removed. Failing to remove the infected pulp allows the infection to spread to surrounding tissues, leading to abscesses and other serious conditions.
What is Root Canal?
Root canal therapy, also known as endodontics, addresses the inside of your tooth. Within each tooth is a hollow space containing tooth pulp, which aids in sensing temperature and keeps the tooth “alive.” A root canal is necessary if this pulp becomes infected or dies.
Signs and symptoms indicating the need for a root canal may include pain, abscesses, and swelling. However, in many instances, there may be no noticeable symptoms, making regular dental check-ups essential. Dentists are trained to identify warning signs that you might not detect.
Aftercare
In most instances, a root canal procedure removes enough tooth material that a dental crown is required to restore the tooth. Fillings may be suitable for milder cases, but only for front teeth. A filling cannot withstand the pressure needed to hold together a molar that has had a root canal.
After receiving your permanent restoration, it’s important to care for the tooth just like your other teeth. While a crown or filling will provide strength and structural support, diligent oral hygiene is still necessary to ensure the success of the root canal. Proper home care can mean the difference between frequent future root canals and a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Procedure Overview
Root canal therapy involves creating a small opening in a tooth, removing the dead or infected pulp through that opening, & then resealing the tooth.
Your dentist will begin by numbing your tooth and the surrounding area with local anesthesia. They’ll isolate the tooth with a rubber dam, a small latex sheet designed to keep your tooth clean and free from contamination. Using a drill, they create a small hole called an access cavity on the surface of your tooth.
This access cavity allows the dentist to remove the tooth pulp and clean the inside with a dental file. These files resemble pins but won’t cause any pain due to the anesthesia. Your dentist will periodically flush out the cavity with a cleaning solution to remove any contaminants.
The cleaning and filing process enlarges the cavity, making room for the filling material that seals the root canal. Dentists use a natural rubbery substance called gutta-percha for this. Once the canal is filled, you’ll receive a temporary filling to protect your tooth until your next appointment for the permanent seal. While waiting for your final restoration, treat the tooth with special care. Avoid using it as much as possible and be mindful of what you eat. If the temporary filling gets damaged, the tooth could become infected again.