Your dentist or endodontist will numb the area with local anesthesia to prevent pain. They will then isolate the tooth with a rubber dam to keep saliva from reaching the canals and will drill an access hole in the top of the tooth. While there are many myths about root canal and their potential to cause cancer or other diseases, the fact is that root canal treatment removes bacteria from a tooth that is infected. A tooth can become inflamed or infected because of deep decay, large fillings, repeated dental procedures on a tooth, cracks or fractures in a tooth, or injuries to a tooth.

During this procedure, a tiny hole may develop in the sinus lining due to an accidental complication called “sinus communication.” This can cause symptoms like a runny nose or post-nasal drip.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

The interior of a tooth has a soft core of pulp that contains blood vessels and nerves. When bacteria reach the pulp, it becomes inflamed or dead. Root canal treatment removes the bacteria, cleans and seals the area to stop pain and prevent future infection. Infection or decay that is not treated can lead to severe tooth pain, an abscess, and possible loss of the tooth. If you have tooth pain or sensitivity that lasts long after eating or drinking hot or cold, it may be time to see a dentist about a root canal.

How Can I Prevent a Root Canal?

If you notice pain or sensitivity in your teeth after eating or drinking, or a toothache that doesn’t go away, it could be an early sign of a root canal infection. The best way to prevent infections is to prioritize excellent oral hygiene, brushing after every meal and flossing daily. You should also make dental checkups a priority so that your dentist can remove any plaque and tartar before it can reach the inner pulp of your tooth. Avoid sugary foods and drinks as they feed bacteria in your mouth, and instead opt for water and unsweetened teas.

A root canal treatment, or endodontics, is an invasive dental procedure that involves removing infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth. The soft and jelly-like core of your tooth, called the pulp, contains blood vessels, nerves, and specialized cells that create dentin and nourish your teeth. Your dentist removes any infected pulp, cleans the area, and replaces it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed to prevent reinfection.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Root canals treat infected tooth pulp, preserving natural teeth instead of requiring replacement with artificial teeth like dental bridges or implants. Contrary to common misconceptions, root canal treatment goes beyond symptom management, effectively targeting the source of the problem and providing lasting resolution.

The dentist starts by administering local anesthesia to numb the area. They then drill an access hole into the infected tooth, using specialized tools called root canal files to remove the diseased pulp, bacteria, and decayed tissue.

Once the affected tooth is clean, they will fill it and seal it with special material to prevent reinfection. They will usually schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure the root canal is healing properly.

While some people may experience sensitivity, swelling or pain after their root canal treatment, over-the-counter ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve these symptoms. Keeping up with routine oral hygiene will also help prevent infection or further complications. After the tooth has healed, a dentist will place a dental crown on top of the treated tooth to protect it and restore its appearance and function.

What Happens After a Root Canal?

A root canal is an effective treatment for a damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the infected tissue, cleaning and disinfecting the canals and sealing them. A temporary filling is then placed to protect the tooth until a permanent crown can be placed.

A general dentist can perform a root canal but it’s more common for an endodontist to be the one to do so. An endodontist is a dentist who has gone through additional training to be able to work on the interior of teeth.

A root canal can cause some discomfort and sensitivity afterward but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and by applying an ice pack to reduce swelling. It’s important to follow the dental professionals instructions on care after a root canal to ensure proper healing. This includes avoiding hard chewing and scheduling follow-up appointments to check the status of the temporary filling. By following these tips, you can enjoy a healthy, long-lasting smile.