When most people hear the words “root canal”, they typically think of a major dental procedure that is both scary and painful. In actuality, a root canal is an extremely routine and common procedure that can be performed with ease by a skilled endodontist. While the idea of a root canal may be daunting, the procedure itself can be virtually pain-free, and each year, millions of smiles are saved by this simple procedure that can stop or prevent the advancement of tooth decay.
If you have never had a root canal, there’s a chance you may not have a clear idea of what the procedure entails or what to expect after a root canal. Let’s explore exactly how a root canal can save a damaged tooth, preserve your smile, and promote overall oral health.
Why Might You Need a Root Canal?
Contrary to common beliefs, the pain that is associated with a root canal actually precedes the procedure entirely. If your dentist has recommended a root canal, it is because the inner layer of your tooth has become inflamed, damaged, or infected. If left untreated, such damage can potentially lead to tooth decay. Pain can be a common symptom of a more advanced stage of damage to the tooth, but the tooth may begin to hurt right away. In some cases, there may not even be any pain at all, which is why routine dental examinations are necessary for preventing and assessing potential issues.
Beneath your tooth’s enamel is a soft inner layer known as the dental pulp. This spongy tissue contains the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that nourish the tooth during development. The term to describe the procedure, “root canal”, is actually derived from the canals within your tooth that travel from the root into the “pulp chamber”, so that the blood vessels can nourish the tooth. Your tooth’s nerve is purely sensory–it is not vital to the health of the tooth–but in alerting you when something is too hot or too cold, the pain experienced in the nerve can also alert you to a problem.
When the pulp is damaged, the nerve breaks down and bacteria accumulates. This,coupled with debris from the broken down nerve (as well as external particles if your tooth is cracked), can cause an infection or an abscessed tooth. Infections can cause:
● Swelling in the gum that may spread to other parts of the face
● Bone loss around the end of the root
● Drainage problems with infected fluid building up in the root
● Tooth decay.
There are many different ways the pulp of your tooth can become damaged, and it is important to be cognizant of any duress or trauma your face and mouth might be under. If you have experienced one of the following, consult with your dentist right away.
● Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth that can weaken the enamel
● An ill-fitting crown or filling that cracks the tooth or exposes spaces in the tooth
● A fractured tooth
● Trauma to the face that loosens or breaks the tooth
● Untreated cavities that spread into the pulp of the tooth
Root canal therapy cannot reverse the damage to your tooth, but if performed early enough, it can easily and effectively save your tooth by alleviating the symptoms and preventing further damage.
What is a Root Canal?
Endodontists are the dental professionals that specialize in the treatment and repair of the tooth’s inner layer–the dental pulp. Once a dentist has determined you need a root canal, they may perform the procedure themselves or refer you to a specialist. Some dental practices even have an endodontist on staff. You and your dentist will discuss your options and decide whether or not your root canal should be performed by your general dentist or an endodontist, depending on the level of damage to the tooth.
X-rays are taken prior to the procedure to examine the inside of the tooth and determine the extent of the damage, particularly to see if there’s any sign of infection in the surrounding bone. Your dentist or endodontist will then anesthetize the surrounding area for your comfort. A root canal may take multiple appointments to complete.
The point of the root canal procedure is to remove the dental pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, then fill and seal the area. A rubber-like material called gutta-percha is used to seal the tooth, which is then restored with a crown or filling for added protection. In order to remove the dental pulp, the endodontist must drill a hole into the crown of the tooth for access. Delicate instruments called root canal files are then used to remove the dental pulp and scrape the walls of the pulp chamber to clean and shape the space for filling. Throughout the procedure, the endodontist will flush the tooth with water or a gentle sodium solution to clear away debris.
Once the pulp is removed, the root canals are sealed with gutta-percha. If there are signs of infection, medication may be applied to the inside of the tooth and your endodontist may wait until the second session to fill the root canals in order to ensure the infection has healed. In this case, a temporary filling will be used to protect the area until your next appointment.
After the root canals are sealed with gutta-percha, the final appointment entails having a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to restore it to its full functionality. In some cases, if damage to the tooth has been too extensive, or the hollowed-out tooth lacks the proper structure to function on its own, the endodontist may place a post inside the tooth to reinforce it before crowning it. In almost all cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment can function just as well as it did prior to the damage.
After Your Root Canal
You may be surprised to learn that after a root canal procedure, most people report feeling a great sense of relief. The pain associated with root canal therapy comes from the inflammation and discomfort of the infected tissue, so once that is removed, most pain should be alleviated. As with any dental procedure, there will be some tenderness immediately following the root canal, and this may persist for another day or two. Your tooth may also be a bit sensitive to extreme temperatures (though less so than when the tooth was damaged). This is especially true between sessions, when your tooth is capped by a temporary crown and not fully sealed.
In cases where the damage to the tooth was severe and the patient experienced extreme pain, the area will be a bit more sensitive for a few days longer following the procedure. This, however, can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. If necessary, your dentist may prescribe a painkiller, but pain on that level following a root canal is rare.
The severe toothache, swelling, and prolonged sensitivity to extreme temperatures goes away once the procedure is performed. Most people can return to normal activities after the first day. It is important, however, to remember to take extra care between sessions. While the temporary filling is in place after the first appointment, you should avoid chewing on the tooth, and be careful not to expose it to too much duress. This is important to avoid contaminating the tooth or damaging the area while it is still under repair.
Once the tooth is fully restored, you can brush and floss as you regularly would. Overall, the procedure is highly effective, minimally painful, and is an important step to ensuring the health and longevity of your smile. There are many who would say its as easy as having a tooth filled!