Root Canal

What
Why
How
Get
When
Outcome
Symptoms
Pros
Advantages
Procedure
Tips
Results
Risks
FAQs

What is

Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that help the tooth grow.

In most cases, a general dentist or endodontist will perform a root canal while you’re under local anesthesia.

Why Root Canal Treatment Required ?

Root canal treatment is needed when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection. The pulp may become inflamed if it’s infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread. The symptoms of a pulp infection include: pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink.

How to Avoid Root Canal Treatment

You can avoid root canal treatment and other alternatives by avoiding foods rich in sugars, practicing good oral hygiene, going for regular dental check-ups, and avoiding drinks and foods rich in acids and starch.

Brush teeth at least twice per day

Brushing the teeth at least twice daily, or after meals are the simplest way to avoid getting a root canal. Brushing should last for at least two minutes and include the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks.

Flossing is essential

Flossing should take place at least once daily after meals. Flossing helps to remove food particles and bacteria from places a toothbrush simply cannot reach and can help to prevent bad breath and tooth decay.

Use mouthwash and toothpaste with fluoride

Fluoride toothpaste and rinses will help to prevent tooth decay and cavities by hardening the enamel and eliminating plaque.

Visit the dentist for your bi-annual cleanings

Dentists are able to thoroughly clean the mouth and remove any buildup of plaque and bacteria the patient missed with their toothbrush. Dentists are able to detect problems early before they get to the stage of requiring a root canal.

Get cavities filled

If a cavity is detected, yet goes untreated, the damage and bacteria will most definitely continue to spread. This will eventually lead to nerve damage and the need for a root canal. Getting cavities filled as early as possible prevents this from becoming a reality.

Wear a mouthguard

Persons who play sports should definitely consider wearing a mouth guard because this can lead to fractures which will expose the roots of the tooth to infection. Persons who clench or grind their teeth should also consider wearing a night guard to protect against wear and tear of the teeth.

Do not use the teeth to bite non-food items

While tearing some plastic or opening a bottle with your teeth may be convenient, it can have some pretty negative consequences. This can lead to fractures, cracks, and breaks in a tooth or filling and where bacteria can travel down to the nerves or the root.

Avoid acidic and sugary drinks and foods

When left unchecked, sugar and acids in the mouth break down the enamel which causes cavities. Bacteria can accumulate in the cavities which eat away at the tooth further down to the roots.

Do not ignore the pain

Pains coming from the gums and teeth should not be ignored. This could be a precursor of what is yet to come. A dentist will be able to fix this problem before the situation becomes dire and the patient needs a root canal.

What Happens If You Don’t Get a Root Canal?

If you need a root canal, the pulp inside your tooth is likely infected. Left untreated, the infection may spread from the tooth to the gum and jawbone surrounding the decaying pulp. The word infection doesn’t carry the same fear-inducing weight as root canal, but if your infection is serious, it could cause you to lose your tooth or part of your jaw. An untreated root canal can also lead to dental abscesses or a life-threatening heart attack, stroke, or sepsis. Not to mention the fact that if your infection progresses to this point, you will likely be in extreme pain.

In most cases, if your dentist recommends a root canal, your only other option is to have the tooth removed. But even though extraction is often deemed an alternative to a root canal, the best option (when possible) is always to save your natural tooth.

When Is a

Root Canal Needed?

A root canal is performed when the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, is injured or becomes inflamed or infected.
The crown of the tooth — the part you can see above your gums — can remain intact even if the pulp is dead. Removing injured or infected pulp is the best way to preserve the structure of the tooth.

Common causes of damage to the pulp include:

  • deep decay due to an untreated cavity
  • multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
  • a chip or crack in the tooth
  • an injury to the tooth (you might injure a tooth if you get hit in the mouth; the pulp can still be damaged even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth)

The most common symptoms of the damaged pulp include pain in your tooth, swelling, and a sensation of heat in your gums. Your dentist will examine the painful tooth and take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist if they think you need a root canal.

The Outcome of Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is considered a restorative procedure. Most people who undergo the procedure can enjoy positive results for the rest of their lives. Still, how long results last depends on the way you take care of your teeth.

Just as the rest of your teeth depend on good oral hygiene habits, your restored tooth requires regular brushing and flossing as well.

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:

Continuous Tooth Pain:

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.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Root Canal

keep the natural tooth

Root canal treatment allows patients to keep the natural tooth. Dentists remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue, clean out the root canal and replace it with filling material.

stop toothaches

When the pulp is infected or inflamed, it is quite painful. Toothaches make it difficult to function. Many people have a difficult time even going to work or enjoying a TV show.

prevent gaps in the mouth

Patients who choose extractions over root canals have to worry about gaps in the mouth. Teeth move to fill in the gaps. Prevention of infection spreading is crucial as it can become a serious condition.

Cons of Root Canal

treatment might weaken the tooth

It is possible for a tooth to become weaker after a root canal. Dentists must drill through the tooth to get to the pulp, and additional decay might need to be removed.

treatment might weaken the tooth

In some cases, patients only need to go to the dentist once to get a root canal. However, two to three appointments are required in complicated cases where the infection or damage is severe.

  • It may cause discomfort to the mouth and jaw, as it will remain open for the necessary length of time.
  • This procedure then turns into a more significant expense.

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

The Procedure of Root Canal Treatment

These are the steps in the procedure of root canal treatment-

Step 1: Anesthetic

The dentist will place a small amount of numbing medication on your gum near the affected tooth. Once it has taken effect, a local anesthetic will be injected into your gums. You may feel a sharp pinch or a burning sensation, but this will pass quickly. You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but the anesthetic will keep you from feeling any pain.

Step 2: Removing the Pulp

When your tooth is numb, the endodontist or general dentist will make a small opening in the top of the tooth. Once the infected or damaged pulp is exposed, the specialist will carefully remove it using special tools called files. They’ll be particularly careful to clean out all the pathways (canals) in your tooth.

Step 3: Application of Antibiotics

Once the pulp has been removed, the dentist may coat the area with a topical antibiotic to ensure that the infection is gone and to prevent reinfection. Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, the dentist will fill and seal the tooth with a sealer paste and rubber-like material called gutta-percha. They also may prescribe you oral antibiotics.

Step 4: Temporary filling

The dentist will end the procedure by filling the small opening in the top of the tooth with a soft, temporary material. This sealant helps prevent the canals from being damaged by saliva.

After Care To Maintain Results For a Long Duration

Your tooth and gums might feel sore when the numbing medication wears off. Your gums may also swell. Most dentists will have you treat these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Call your dentist if the pain becomes extreme or lasts for more than a few days.
  • You should be able to resume your normal routine the day after the procedure. Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth until it’s permanently filled, or a crown is placed over the top.
  • You’ll see your regular dentist within a few days of the root canal. They’ll take X-rays to make sure that any infection is gone. They’ll also replace the temporary filling with a permanent filling.
  • If you prefer, the dentist may place a permanent crown on the tooth. Crowns are artificial teeth that can be made from porcelain or gold. The benefit of a crown is its realistic appearance.
  • It may take you several weeks to get used to how the tooth feels after the procedure. This is normal and has no cause for concern.

Aftercare-Tips for Oral Health

Good oral health practices can help alleviate pain from a recent root canal. These can also help your new crown last for many years while protecting all your other teeth. Consider the following tips:
  • Don’t eat overly hard foods, especially right after a root canal treatment.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to move the toothbrush in gentle circling motions to clean your teeth without aggravating them. You’ll want to take special care around the tooth with the recent root canal.
  • Floss once a day to help prevent future infections.
  • Reduce the number of sugary foods and drinks you consume.
  • Schedule regular cleanings to help keep your teeth healthy and free of infection.

Potential Risks and Complications Associated with Root Canal Treatment

  • Incomplete removal of infected tissue, which can lead to persistent infection or the need for retreatment.
  • Damage to surrounding teeth, gums, or tissues during the procedure.
  • Fracture of the tooth or filling material, which can require additional treatment or lead to extraction of the tooth.
  • Development of an abscess or infection after the procedure, which may require antibiotics or additional treatment.
  • Pain or discomfort during or after the procedure. But that can usually be managed with over the counter or prescription pain relievers.

FAQs for Root Canal?

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. If you have severe pain or discomfort that lasts longer than a week, call your healthcare provider.

Can you drive after a root canal?

It depends. If you had local anesthesia or nitrous oxide during your procedure, then you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. People who choose oral sedation or IV sedation will need a friend or family member to drive them.

Can you smoke after a root canal?

It isn’t recommended. Smoking interferes with healing and increases the likelihood that you’ll need more dental work in the future.

When can I resume work, school or other activities?

Most of the time, people who have had root canal therapy can go back to work or school the next day. However, if you’ve had sedation during your dental procedure, you may need an extra day or two to fully recover.

How long do the results of a root canal last?

As with all dental procedures, results are not guaranteed. However, when root canal therapy is performed correctly, results can last a long time — even the rest of your life.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

If you notice any root canal symptoms, such as tooth pain, swelling, bad taste or other warning signs, call your healthcare provider immediately. The sooner you treat an infected tooth, the better chance you have of saving it.

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 like pastas, mashed potatoes and yogurts for 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.

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Jessica Bowen, DMD, MDS

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