¡Hablamos Español!
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal treatment involves removing the pulp tissue from the inside chamber of a tooth. Teeth are hollow, and the term “pulp” refers to the soft tissue inside, which contains blood vessels and nerves.
This unique structure is why toothaches can be extremely painful. The hard outer layer of the tooth completely encloses the pulp, leaving no space for it to expand. Unlike soft tissues elsewhere in the body that can swell outward when inflamed or infected, the pulp is confined within this rigid chamber. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, pressure builds up inside, causing intense sharp, shooting, or throbbing pain.
How Root Canal Treatment Works
A root canal becomes necessary when a neglected cavity reaches all the way to the pulp at the center of the tooth, causing the pulp to become infected. Regular cleanings and checkups detect and prevent problems early on.
Trauma can also cause deep damage to the nerve of a tooth. Once this occurs, the pulp becomes infected, and it begins to eat away at the surrounding bone (this is called an abscess). By the time the pulp is infected it must be treated, and cannot heal on its own. It can even weaken the entire immune system, making it very dangerous and painful.
Symptoms of infected pulp may include sensitivity to hot/cold or sweets, pain, swelling, pain with biting or pressure, and a bad taste in the mouth. Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms, and you are unaware of any problem until a checkup.
A root canal is performed to clean out the infected tooth pulp and disinfect the canals of the tooth. The only other treatment would be to extract the tooth. Once the infection is resolved, the canal(s) is filled to prevent any further infection. Crowns are usually recommended to cover and restore a tooth after root canal therapy.
What Does Root Canal Treatment Do?
A root canal treatment relieves tooth pain by removing the inflamed or infected nerves and blood vessels from inside the affected tooth. It thoroughly cleans the internal surfaces of the tooth’s hollow chamber to prevent any future infection. After removing the soft tissue and cleaning the hard tissue, the dentist fills the chamber with a biocompatible material, sealing the tooth against further bacterial contamination.
The term “root canal” is a shortened version of “root canal treatment.” This name comes from the anatomy of teeth—the hollow space inside the tooth extends down each root in a narrow passage called the root canal. Since some teeth have multiple roots, the treatment may involve cleaning and sealing up to four canals.
What Happens During Root Canal?
Several steps make root canal treatment distinct from other dental procedures. Like many dental treatments, local anesthesia is used to eliminate pain and ensure your comfort throughout the process. However, the key aspects that set root canal therapy apart include:
Rubber Dam Isolation
To maintain a sterile environment, your dentist will isolate the tooth being treated with a rubber dam. This barrier prevents saliva and bacteria from contaminating the tooth and also keeps dental materials and instruments from coming into contact with the rest of your mouth.
X-ray Evaluation
Throughout the procedure, your dentist will take periodic X-rays to monitor progress, check the location of the canals, and ensure proper placement of the filling material.
During the treatment, you might feel some light pressure or pushing as the dentist uses tiny files to clean the inside of the tooth. This sensation is similar to filing a fingernail. Importantly, you should not experience any pain during the procedure.
What to Expect After Root Canal Treatment
After a root canal procedure, your dentist may place a temporary filling to seal the treated canal. In some cases, a permanent filling is applied right away, followed by preparation for a crown. Since root canal treatment removes the tooth’s fluid supply, the tooth can become brittle and more prone to cracking. For this reason, a crown is usually recommended to protect and strengthen the tooth.
It’s normal to experience some tenderness or mild pain around the treated area immediately after the procedure. If there was an infection, your dentist may prescribe oral antibiotics to aid healing. Be sure to carefully follow all post-treatment instructions and medication guidelines to ensure proper recovery.
