Root Canals
Root Canals – Treat Damage or Infection to Avoid Tooth Extraction
Tooth damage, decay or infection is not uncommon, although some can be more severe than others, leading to a much more invasive course of treatment.
Root canal treatment is administered to treat and repair more severely damaged or infected teeth at the root, saving them from extraction. Learn more about the treatment below.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
The purpose of a root canal is to remove or “clean out” the material inside the tooth, known as pulp, in which blood vessels, tissues, and nerves live. This is because damage or infection has come in contact with the pulp. The goal of the procedure is almost always to save the tooth from extraction.
There are many causes of damage or infection that may lead patients to require root canal treatment, such as:
- Severe tooth decay
- Problematic fillings
- Injury to the tooth, i.e., cracks or breaks
How Do You Know if You Need a Root Canal?
It can be hard to pinpoint whether you require a root canal as an X-ray is the only way to determine the level of damage to the pulp. Therefore, a consultation with your dentist is always best to eliminate your worries. However, there are a few signs and symptoms to look out for at home:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Pain when pressure is applied, e.g., when eating
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swollen jaw or cheeks
- Discolouration of the tooth
- Swollen or tender gums
It’s also important to note that patients may need a root canal without experiencing pain or discomfort. Hence, regular trips to the dentist for a thorough checkup are recommended.
What Can You Expect During a Root Canal Procedure?
Visiting the dentist can be a worrying ordeal for many, whether receiving a regular checkup or otherwise. So, we’ve broken down what you can expect from a root canal procedure to put your mind at ease:
Before treatment is administered, your dentist needs to determine the cause of your pain or discomfort. Surprisingly, a root canal isn’t always the best or only course of treatment for an infected or damaged tooth. During your checkup, your dentist will typically perform a periapical X-ray. This provides a detailed image of the whole tooth, including the tip of the root, to assess the level of damage to the pulp.
A local anesthetic will be given to numb the area and minimize pain. A dental dam (a protective latex sheet) will also be used to isolate the tooth in the mouth, preventing the spread of bacteria and saliva.
A miniature drill is used to make a neat opening in the tooth, allowing for a thorough clean of the root canal to remove the pulp and therefore bacteria. During this step, the canal is also shaped for filling using specialist tools.
Once the removal and cleaning process is complete, the area previously filled with pulp must be sealed. A rubber-like material is often used in the deepest part of the canal, followed by a temporary filling at the opening.
A few days prior to your initial treatment, it’s common practice for dentists to apply a permanent crown, especially if the tooth is positioned at the back of the mouth. This protects and restores the tooth, allowing for easy chewing without damaging the dental work. However, a filling also works well to perform the same function.
Are Root Canals Painful?
The very thought of receiving dental treatment sends many patients into a spiral about intense pain and discomfort. However, thanks to powerful anesthetic options used to numb the mouth and surrounding area, root canals are often no more painful than a standard filling. Plus, a great dentist will do everything they can to ensure you experience as little pain as possible. Therefore, if you require this type of treatment, there’s no reason to hold off booking your appointment.
Schedule an appointment with our first-class team at Timothy T. Ryan D.D.S. to begin your root canal journey. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide a quote for your treatment.
How Effective Is Root Canal Treatment?
While it is considered a serious dental treatment, it’s one that many dentists practice regularly. Therefore, the success rate is high. According to the American Association of Endodontists (specialists with extensive knowledge of dental pulp), over 95% of root canals are successful. They typically also last a lifetime without needing to repeat the procedure.