Do I Need A Root Canal?

If you have persistent tooth pain caused by a diseased or damaged tooth, your dentist might recommend you have a root canal. A root canal treats infection or damage deep within your tooth's pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are housed.

During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected tissue, clean the area, and seal the tooth to prevent further infection and preserve its structure. This routine procedure can relieve your pain, save your tooth, and make it healthy again.

Saving your natural tooth with a root canal treatment has many benefits:

• Efficient chewing

• Normal biting force and sensation

• Natural appearance

• Protection of other teeth from excessive wear or strain

COMMON SYMPTOMS

If you’re having ongoing throbbing or sharp tooth pain, you likely need a root canal.

This pain can be exacerbated by exposure to hot or cold temperatures, as well as by chewing or when any pressure is applied. It will often linger after such contact or exposure, as well.

You can also experience swelling around the affected tooth or gums, accompanied by tenderness or even the development of a pimple-like bump on the gum. If your tooth is also discolored, you might have nerve damage.

Treating these symptoms promptly will prevent further complications.

WHAT TO EXPECT

If you’re dealing with the above symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. They will conduct a thorough examination, often including X-rays, to assess the extent of the problem. If you need a root canal, it will typically be completed in one or two office visits.

Your dentist will start the procedure by numbing the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring you have a comfortable experience. Next, they'll isolate the tooth with a rubber dam, keeping it dry and free from saliva during the procedure.

Using specialized tools, the dentist will then create an opening in the tooth to reach the infected or damaged pulp chamber and root canals. They will then remove the infected tissue before cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth.

Once the tooth is cleaned, the dentist will fill the empty space inside the tooth with a biocompatible material to provide structural support. In some cases, they will use a temporary filling to seal the tooth until a permanent solution, like a crown, can be applied.

While you may feel some pressure or vibration during the procedure, you shouldn’t feel any pain. You will most likely be numb for 2 to 4 hours following the procedure, and will typically be able to return to school or work directly following a root canal. You shouldn’t eat until the numbness is completely gone, however. You might feel some mild discomfort for a short time, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter medication.

Preventing a root canal starts with maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Brushing twice daily and flossing regularly help remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Routine dental check-ups enable early detection of cavities or infections, allowing for conservative treatments before they progress. Are you experiencing any dental pain or other issues? Click here to schedule an exam.