What is a Root Canal?
Root canal is the term used for when a dentist removes a portion of a patient’s tooth, usually to alleviate discomfort or pain. The tooth’s canal is the space inside that holds the tooth’s pulp chamber, which is home to the tooth’s nerve system. Teeth can function without this nerve system, but when the pulp is infected or damaged it can be extremely painful. The advantage of undergoing root canal treatment is that it saves the tooth, even if it is badly decayed, damaged, or infected.
Root canal treatment is common and not nearly as traumatizing as many patients anticipate. There are several reasons a patient might need a root canal, including tooth decay, an infected tooth, breakage or chipping that exposes the nerve, or age- or injury-related death of the tooth.
When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, bacteria begin to grown within the chamber of the tooth and infection can occur. When not treated with root canal therapy, infection worsens and develops into an abscess. The infection can spread beyond the tooth and cause swelling in the head, neck, or face, bone loss, or drainage problems that damage the gums and cheeks.
What Does the Root Canal Process Include?
Root canals are performed under local anesthesia, which means only the area around the affected tooth is numbed. Keeping the area dry, the dentist drills a hole into the tooth and removes the pulp, bacteria, decayed tissue, and any other debris by inserting files of increasing sizes into the hole.
After cleaning the tooth and ensuring any infection is cleared, the remaining hollow tooth is sealed. This might be done during the same appointment or after a few weeks. If necessary, the tooth is further restored using a crown or post to keep it strong and prevent future breakage.
What Can Trigger the Need for a Root Canal?
Root canals are needed when tooth pulp is damaged or infected, or nerves are exposed. This occurs from untreated decay, large fillings, chips or cracks, trauma to the face, repeated dental procedures (multiple cavities) in the same tooth. Occasionally, dentists place a traditional filling in a cavity and if it does not alleviate the patient’s discomfort, a root canal is the next treatment option.
How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal?
A dentist will tell you whether or not a root canal is necessary. Usually, pain is what prompts a patient to schedule a visit, but it is also possible for a dentist to discover a problem during a routine checkup. Signs a root canal might be necessary include:
- Severe tooth pain, especially when applying pressure or chewing
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Sensitivity to heat or cold that does not go away and continues after exposure is over
- Swelling or pain in the gums
- Persistent bumps or lesions on the gums
Root canals have a bad reputation, but they are really not that scary or painful. If your dentist recommends a root canal, relax and know the current discomfort you are experiencing will be eliminated by the treatment.
