About Root Canals
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although, on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
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Signs and symptoms for possible Root Canal Therapy:
- An abscess (or pimple) on the gums.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold.
- Severe toothache pain.
- Sometimes no symptoms are present.
- Swelling and/or tenderness. Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although, on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
What does Root Canal therapy involve?
While the tooth is numb, a rubber dam (a sheet of rubber) will be placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free of saliva. An access opening is made on top of the tooth and a series of root canal files are placed into the opening, one at a time, removing the pulp, nerve tissue, and bacteria. If tooth decay is present, it will also be removed with special dental instruments.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it will be sealed with either a permanent filling or, if additional appointments are needed, a temporary filling will be placed.
At the next appointment, usually a week later, the roots and the inside cavity of the tooth will be filled and sealed with special dental materials. A filling will be placed to cover the opening on top of the tooth. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This will protect the tooth and prevent it from breaking, and restore it to its full function.
After treatment, your tooth may still be sensitive, but this will subside as the inflammation diminishes and the tooth has healed.
You will be given care instructions after each appointment. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits will aid in the life of your root canal treatment.
Reasons for Root Canal treatment:
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth).
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth.
Root Canals FAQ
Can I eat normally after a root canal procedure?
After a root canal, we recommend waiting until the numbness in your mouth wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Initially, you should eat soft foods that require minimal chewing and avoid biting down on the treated tooth until your dentist advises otherwise. Gradually, as your comfort improves, you can return to your normal diet.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Thanks to modern anesthesia and dental techniques, root canal therapy is typically not painful. Most patients report that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. You may experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort in the days following the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does the root canal treatment take?
The length of a root canal treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the tooth and the extent of the infection. Typically, the procedure is completed in one to two visits, with each session lasting between 30 minutes to an hour. In some cases, additional visits may be necessary to ensure the tooth heals properly and to place a final crown for protection and functionality.
