Root Canal Treatment
A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a procedure to treat a damaged or infected tooth, specifically the root. This part of the tooth is below the gum line and contains pulp, nerves, and blood vessels.
About Root Canal Treatment
When a tooth decays or gets cracked, bacteria can enter and infect the pulp. Without treatment, the infection will worsen, causing pain, swelling, and potentially damaging the tooth to the point of requiring an extraction.
How It Works
Root canal treatment is designed to preserve the tooth’s structure once the pulp becomes infected. This procedure has had a reputation for being very painful, but that’s no longer the case with today’s methods. Dentists use local anesthetic to numb the area, so patients don’t feel pain.
Then, the dentist drills a hole in the tooth’s crown to access and remove the pulp. The next step is cleaning and disinfecting the canals. The empty canals get filled and sealed with temporary filling to protect the tooth. Patients have to go back for a follow-up restorative dentistry appointment to remove the temporary filling and get a permanent crown placed.
Treating Your Pain
If you notice symptoms like persistent tooth pain, tooth discoloration, or extreme sensitivity, reach out to your dentist. They’ll determine whether a root canal is the right option for treating your pain and saving the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a root canal?
You can’t diagnose the need for a root canal at home. Your dentist will need to diagnose the issue with X-rays and other testing. However, you can watch out for key symptoms, such as:
- Intense temperature sensitivity: If hot or cold foods and drinks cause lingering pain in one of your teeth, even after the stimulus is gone, that’s a warning sign.
- Gum issues: You may notice redness, tenderness, or swelling around the gums near a possibly affected tooth. There may even be a pimple or boil on your gums that oozes pus from an infection.
- Tooth discoloration: See a dentist if your tooth turns gray, brown, or other dark colors.
- Pain: Sharp pain, especially when chewing, is another warning sign.
Does a root canal hurt?
If you have a damaged or infected tooth that requires a root canal, you may feel a sharp or throbbing pain in that area of your mouth. The root canal treatment addresses that issue to relieve your pain and save the tooth.
You shouldn’t feel much pain during the procedure, but you may feel some pressure. While dentists typically use local anesthetic to numb the area, full sedation may also be an option.
After the procedure, it’s normal to have some mild tenderness and sensitivity for a few days while you heal. Over-the-counter pain medicine may help you manage this discomfort during root canal recovery.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal is a relatively short procedure that typically takes between 30 and 90 minutes to complete. More complex cases on back molars take longer than treating front teeth because they have more canals that may need cleaning. Incisors and canines only have one canal to clean, disinfect if necessary, and fill.
While the root canal itself should only take one appointment, you will need to go back to the dentist to fit and cement the new crown for your tooth. It takes about a week to feel completely normal again after the procedure. Try to avoid chewing heavily on that side of your mouth for a little while.
What should I expect after a root canal?
The local anesthetic your dentist used to complete the root canal won’t wear off right away. Expect to feel some numbness in your mouth for the next day or two after the procedure. You might also notice some gum or facial swelling as well as some tenderness. Try an ice pack to address the swelling and over-the-counter pain medicine for any discomfort as directed.
This discomfort should decrease within the first few days. During that time, stick to soft foods and try to get plenty of rest to help with recovery. Contact your dentist if you notice persistent pain after a week, a fever, or an allergic reaction.
