If your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, you may immediately have questions: What is a root canal? Why do I need one? What actually happens during the procedure?
Root canal treatment is used to treat problems involving the soft tissue inside a tooth, known as the dental pulp. When this tissue becomes inflamed or infected, root canal treatment can remove the affected tissue, clean and seal the inside of the tooth, and help preserve the natural tooth when possible.
Despite its reputation, the purpose of a root canal isn’t to cause pain. It’s to treat a damaged or infected tooth and address the source of the problem.
What Exactly Is a Root Canal?
The term “root canal” is commonly used to describe the dental procedure, but root canals are actually part of the natural anatomy of your teeth.
Beneath the hard outer layers of a tooth is an inner space containing dental pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Narrow channels extend through the roots of the tooth.
When the pulp becomes significantly inflamed or infected, it may need to be removed.
During root canal treatment, your dentist accesses the inside of the tooth, removes the affected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canal spaces, and fills and seals them.
The tooth can then be restored so it can continue functioning.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
There are several reasons the pulp inside a tooth can become damaged or infected.
One of the most common is deep tooth decay. As a cavity progresses farther into a tooth, bacteria can eventually reach the pulp.
Other possible causes include:
- A cracked or fractured tooth.
- Trauma or injury to a tooth.
- Extensive decay.
- Repeated dental procedures involving the same tooth.
- Damage that allows bacteria to reach the pulp.
Once the pulp is significantly damaged or infected, it may not be able to heal on its own.
A dental examination and appropriate imaging can help your dentist determine what’s happening inside the tooth and whether root canal treatment is necessary.
What Are the Signs You Might Need a Root Canal?
Not everyone who needs root canal treatment experiences the same symptoms.
Possible signs of a problem can include:
- Persistent tooth pain.
- Significant sensitivity to hot or cold.
- Pain when biting or chewing.
- Swelling or tenderness near a tooth.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums.
- Changes in the color of a tooth.
- A cracked or badly damaged tooth.
However, a tooth that needs root canal treatment doesn’t always cause obvious pain.
That’s one reason regular dental examinations are important. Your dentist may sometimes identify a problem before it produces the symptoms you might expect.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Although the exact procedure depends on the tooth and the individual patient, root canal treatment generally follows several steps.
1. The Tooth Is Examined and Numbed
Before treatment begins, your dentist evaluates the affected tooth and treatment area.
Local anesthetic is used to numb the area and help keep you comfortable during the procedure.
2. The Dentist Accesses the Inside of the Tooth
A small opening is created in the tooth so the dentist can access the pulp chamber and root canals.
3. The Affected Pulp Is Removed
Specialized instruments are used to carefully remove the inflamed or infected pulp and clean the canal spaces inside the tooth.
4. The Root Canals Are Cleaned and Filled
After the canals have been cleaned and disinfected, they’re filled and sealed with dental material designed for root canal treatment.
5. The Tooth Is Restored
A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment generally needs to be restored afterward.
Depending on the location and condition of the tooth, your dentist may recommend a filling, dental crown or another restoration to protect the remaining tooth structure and restore function.
For a more detailed look at the treatment itself, learn more about root canal treatment in Shorewood, IL and what you can expect during your appointment.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Much of the fear surrounding root canal treatment comes from outdated information and misconceptions about the procedure. If you’ve heard conflicting information about pain, safety or what treatment involves, read our guide to common root canal myths and the facts behind them.
Local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area. Patients may experience pressure or other sensations during treatment, but the goal is to keep the procedure comfortable.
Some tenderness or sensitivity can occur afterward as the surrounding tissues recover.
It’s also important to distinguish pain caused by the dental problem from the treatment used to address it. An inflamed or infected tooth can itself cause significant discomfort.
If fear about treatment is making you hesitant to schedule care, our guide for patients who are nervous about a root canal explains what to expect and ways to make the experience more manageable.
Can Sedation Be Used During a Root Canal?
For some patients, local anesthetic isn’t the only consideration. Dental anxiety can make treatment difficult even when the tooth itself is numb.
Depending on the patient and circumstances, sedation for root canal treatment may be an option to help manage anxiety.
Sedation and local anesthesia serve different purposes: local anesthesia numbs the treatment area, while sedation can help an anxious patient feel more relaxed.
Your dentist can discuss whether sedation is appropriate based on your health history, level of anxiety and planned treatment.
Does a Root Canal Save the Tooth?
One of the primary goals of root canal treatment is to preserve a natural tooth that might otherwise need to be removed.
Removing the affected pulp allows the remaining tooth structure to be retained and restored when the tooth is otherwise suitable for treatment.
Keeping a natural tooth can help maintain chewing function and avoid creating an empty space that may eventually require another tooth-replacement treatment.
However, not every damaged tooth can be saved. The amount of remaining tooth structure, cracks, bone support and other factors influence whether root canal treatment is appropriate.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: What’s the Difference?
Root canal treatment and tooth extraction address a damaged or infected tooth in fundamentally different ways.
A root canal treats the inside of the tooth while preserving the tooth itself.
An extraction removes the entire tooth.
When a tooth can predictably be restored, preserving it may be recommended. However, extraction may sometimes be necessary when a tooth is too damaged to restore successfully.
Your dentist can evaluate the condition of the tooth and explain which treatment options are appropriate.
What Happens After a Root Canal?
Some tenderness around the treated tooth can occur following treatment, particularly as the tissues surrounding the tooth recover.
Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dental team and contact the office if you experience symptoms that concern you.
The tooth may also require a permanent restoration. In many cases, a dental crown is used to protect the remaining tooth structure, although the appropriate restoration depends on the particular tooth and clinical situation.
Regular brushing, flossing and dental examinations remain important after treatment. A root-canal-treated tooth still needs ongoing care just like your other teeth.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Treatment time depends on factors such as which tooth is being treated, the number and complexity of its canals and the condition of the tooth.
Some root canal treatments can be completed in one appointment, while others may require additional visits.
Your dentist can give you a better idea of what to expect after evaluating your particular tooth.
When Should You See a Dentist About Tooth Pain?
Don’t wait for tooth pain to become severe before having it evaluated.
Pain, prolonged sensitivity, swelling, a cracked tooth or changes involving the gums around a tooth can all warrant a dental examination.
Earlier evaluation can help identify the cause and determine whether you need root canal treatment or another type of dental care.
Learn More About Root Canal Treatment in Shorewood, IL
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or have been told you may need a root canal, Shorewood Family Dental Care can evaluate the tooth and explain your treatment options.
Learn more about our root canal treatment in Shorewood, IL, or call 815-725-5991 to schedule an appointment.
