What is a root canal?
A root canal (endodontic therapy) is a dental treatment for infections in tooth pulp, the innermost layer of your teeth.
Why would I need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if bacteria inside your mouth invade the pulp inside your tooth and cause inflammation (pulpitis)
When you have symptoms, they may include
Tooth pain that doesn’t go away. Lots of things make your teeth hurt. But pain that’s deep in a tooth or that spreads to your jaw, face or other teeth may mean you have an infection. Pressure hurts. If your tooth hurts when you eat or touch it, it may mean something damaged the nerves around your tooth pulp
What happens during root canals?
Before beginning treatment, your dentist or endodontist will take dental X-rays of the affected tooth. They may do other tests to determine if your tooth pulp is dead, infected or inflamed and confirm that you’ll need a root canal. Do an electric pulp test (EPT) by using a device that sends a gradually increasing electric current through your tooth to see if your tooth pulp reacts
Root canal treatment steps are:
- Your provider injects anesthesia to numb your infected tooth and nearby gum. If you have dental anxiety, your provider may give you medications to help you relax. The medication may make you feel drowsy, which means you won’t be able to drive right after your treatment.
- They drill a tiny hole in your tooth’s crown so they can get to your tooth pulp.
- Then, they use tiny dental instruments to remove nerves, blood vessels and tissues inside your tooth pulp.
- After clearing out pulp, your provider cleans and disinfects your pulp chamber and root canals.
- Next, they fill the empty pulp chamber and root canals with a flexible, rubbery dental material called gutta-percha.
- Your provider then seals your tooth with a temporary dental filling. The seal keeps bacteria from getting into your tooth.
- In the last step, your provider places a dental crown on your treated tooth. Dental crowns protect your teeth and restore your bite — the way your teeth fit together when you bite down. Dental crowns are typically made to order, so it may be two or three weeks before this last step happens.
What happens after a root canal?
Your provider may suggest you rest for a few minutes before leaving the dental clinic or provider’s office. It can take an hour or more for anesthesia to wear off, meaning your mouth and gums aren’t numb anymore.
What are the potential benefits of root canals?
Root canals eliminate tooth infections that, left untreated, could cause serious issues like: Infection that spreads to other teeth
How do I take care of myself after a root canal?
- Your tooth and gums go through a lot during a root canal. You can help them heal by: Eating soft foods for the first few days after treatment. (Think well-cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, smoothies and yogurt).
- Avoid chewing on your treated tooth if you’re waiting on your permanent crown.
- Brushing your teeth after every meal and flossing once a day.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash to keep germs at bay
Risks of a root canal
- A root canal is performed in an effort to save your tooth. Sometimes, however, the damage is too deep or the enamel is too frail to withstand the procedure. These factors can lead to loss of the tooth.
- Another risk is developing an abscess at the root of the tooth if some of the infected material remains behind or if the antibiotics aren’t effective.
- If you’re apprehensive about a root canal, you can talk to your dentist about an extraction instead. This often involves placing a partial denture, bridge, or implant in place of the damaged tooth.
