Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
When is a root canal needed?
Root canal therapy is necessary when oral bacteria invade the pulp inside of your tooth. This usually happens when a Cavity is left untreated for a long time. It can also occur if your tooth becomes cracked or damaged due to trauma.
What are some symptoms that indicate you may need root canal treatment?
In some cases, you may not know you have an infected tooth. However, many people notice certain symptoms. Signs you need a root canal include:
- Tooth pain that doesn’t go away: Many dental problems can cause tooth pain. If you have pain deep in your tooth, you may need root canal therapy. Discomfort may also radiate to your jaw, face, or other teeth.
- Sensitivity to heat and cold: If your tooth hurts when you drink hot coffee or eat ice cream, it could mean that you need root canal treatment. This is especially true if the pain lingers for more than a few seconds.
- Swollen gums: When a tooth is infected, pus can collect in the area. This can lead to puffy, swollen or tender gums.
- Pimple on the gums: You may develop a pimple or boil on the gums. Pus from the infected tooth may drain from the pimple, causing an unpleasant taste or smell.
- Swollen jaw: Sometimes pus doesn’t drain from the site. As a result, your jaw may become visibly swollen.
- Tooth discoloration: When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, it can cause your tooth to look darker. This occurs because of poor blood supply to the tooth.
- Pain when pressure is applied: If you have pain when you eat or touch your tooth, it could mean the nerves around the pulp are damaged.
- A chipped or cracked tooth: If you’ve cracked a tooth in an accident, when playing sports, or even by biting down on something hard, bacteria can reach all the way into the tooth pulp.
- Loose tooth: An infected tooth may feel looser. This is because the pus from the infected pulp can soften the bone that supports the tooth.
How should I prepare for root canal treatment?
Before beginning your root canal, your healthcare provider can answer any questions you have about the procedure. Here are a few things you can do to prepare for your root canal treatment:
- Take all medications as prescribed: You may be given antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications a few days before your appointment, especially if there is a lot of infection present.
- Don’t smoke: Tobacco products interfere with your body’s ability to heal itself. Avoid smoking several days before your root canal appointment — and stop altogether if you’re able.
- Eat a healthy meal: Since the local anesthesia used during root canal therapy will make your mouth numb for a few hours, it’s a good idea to eat before your appointment.
How long does a root canal take?
Depending on the amount of infection in your tooth, root canal therapy may require one or two appointments. On average, a root canal takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. If you are having treatment on a larger tooth with multiple roots, it can take up to an hour and a half.
What happens during the root canal process?
Before beginning your root canal, your healthcare provider will take X-rays of the affected tooth. This helps determine the extent of damage and ensures that root canal therapy is the appropriate treatment option. Here are the steps that will be completed during your root canal procedure:
- Anesthesia. First, local anesthesia is given to numb the infected tooth and the surrounding gums. There are also medications used to help you relax, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, or intravenous (IV) sedation.
- Dental dam placement. Before beginning root canal treatment, a small rubber dam is placed over the area. This isolates the tooth and keeps it dry during the procedure.
- Access hole. Next, a small opening is made in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp.
- Pulp removal. Tiny dental instruments are used to remove the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues inside the tooth.
- Shaping the canals. Once the pulp is removed, the pulp chamber and root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
- Filling the canals. The empty canals are then filled with a flexible, rubbery dental material called gutta-percha.
- Sealing the tooth. Next, a temporary filling is placed to seal the tooth and prevent bacteria from re-entering.
- Placing the final restoration. In most cases, you’ll need a crown to protect the treated tooth and restore your bite. Crowns are custom-made, and fabrication usually takes two to three weeks. When your crown is ready, the temporary filling is removed and the permanent crown is placed. In some instances, you may be able to receive a crown during the same appointment.
What are the advantages of having a root canal procedure?
There are several benefits to choosing root canal therapy. This treatment can:
- Prevent infection from spreading to other teeth.
- Ease the symptoms associated with an infected tooth.
- Reduce the risk of jawbone damage.
- Eliminate the need for tooth extraction.
How long does root canal recovery take?
Typically, root canal recovery time lasts less than a week. Mild discomfort may be present for a few days, but this can be managed with medication.
Can I eat after a root canal?
Yes. However, it’s best to wait until the numbness wears off. The effects of the anesthesia usually last a few hours. Stick with softer foods the first couple of days. Introduce solid food as your comfort level improves. You should also steer clear of biting or chewing with the treated tooth. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth until your permanent dental restoration is in place.
At DentAesthetica, our root canal specialist Dr. Pooja Saigal believes that there is no replacement for natural teeth and tries to save the natural teeth for patients.