Let’s face it: Root canals don’t have the best reputation. Although the procedure evokes fear for many patients, it doesn’t have a particularly painful recovery. In fact, almost all people feel better shortly afterwards.
For today’s blog post, let’s focus on everything you need to know about root canals.
First, what is a root canal? A root canal, also called endodontic therapy, is a treatment that addresses infections in the tooth pulp, the inside layer of your teeth. If bacteria inside your mouth enters the tooth pulp, it often leads to inflammation and pain. Your tooth pulp is more susceptible to a bacterial attack if you have a cracked or damaged tooth or a deep cavity that requires a filling.
While you can have an infected tooth without symptoms, you may experience the following signs that you need a root canal.
Chronic tooth pain
Many issues can cause a toothache. However, if the pain is deep in the tooth or spreads to your face, jaw, or other teeth, it may be a sign that you have an infection.
Uncomfortable pressure
Does your tooth hurt when you touch it or chew your food? If so, it may mean that you have damaged nerves around your tooth pulp.
Irritated gums
An infected tooth often makes your gums feel tender and swollen. You may also notice pimples or boils on your gums that ooze pus. If the pus doesn’t drain away from your infected tooth, it may cause your jaw to swell as well.
Discolored or loose tooth
An infection in your tooth pulp prevents blood from flowing to your tooth, making your tooth turn dark. Additionally, the pus from the infected pulp may soften the bones supporting your tooth, making it feel loose.
Dentists perform nearly 15 million root canals in the United States every year.
Before beginning treatment, your dentist will take X-rays of the infected tooth to confirm that the pulp is dead or inflamed. They may also gently tap on your tooth or expose it to a hot or cold substance to check for sensitivity. Additionally, they may use a device that sends a gradually increasing electric current through your tooth to check for a reaction from your tooth pulp — called an electric pulp test (EPT).
During a root canal, the dentist removes the inflamed pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then places a filling on the tooth to protect it. The six steps of the treatment include:
- First, your dentist injects anesthesia to numb your tooth and surrounding gum. If you experience dental anxiety, you can ask your provider to prescribe a medication to help you stay calm. Note that you may feel drowsy and require a driver following the procedure.
- Then, your dentist places a thin piece of rubber over your infected tooth. Called a dental dam, this strip keeps your tooth dry during the root canal.
- Next, they drill a hole in your tooth’s crown in order to reach the tooth pulp.
- Using dental instruments, they remove the tissues, blood vessels, and nerves inside your tooth pulp.
- Once the infected pulp is removed, your provider cleans and disinfects your tooth. Then, they fill the empty pulp chamber with gutta-percha, a flexible, rubbery dental material. A temporary dental filing is added to seal your tooth and prevent any bacteria from getting in.
- Finally, your provider places a custom-made dental crown on your previously-infected tooth. The crown protects your tooth and restores your bite. Because the crown is typically made-to-order, you’ll likely schedule one or two appointments with your dentist to prepare your tooth.
Moving forward, you can typically avoid the need for a root canal with good oral hygiene habits.
We hope you’ll choose Maitland Ave Smile Co. for your dental care!
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like your family’s dental routine, dental anxiety, and more.