Root Canals
A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that help the tooth grow. In most cases, a general dentist or endodontist will perform a root canal while you’re under local anesthesia.
When is a root canal needed?
A root canal is performed when the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, is injured or becomes inflamed or infected.
Common causes of damage to the pulp include: deep decay due to an untreated cavity, multiple dental procedures on the same tooth, a chip or crack in the tooth, an injury to the tooth (you might injure a tooth if you get hit in the mouth; the pulp can still be damaged even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth)The most common symptoms of damaged pulp include pain in your tooth, and swelling and a sensation of heat in your gums.
FAQ
The tooth to get root canal is anesthetized (numbed) with local anesthetic. When your tooth is numb, the dentist will make a small opening in the top of the tooth to the infected pulp to remove it. The canals are cleaned and disinfected, the dentist will fill and seal the tooth with a sealer paste and rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The dentist will end the procedure by filling the small opening in the top of the tooth with a filling material. It is advised to place a permanent crown on the tooth. Crowns are artificial teeth that can be made from porcelain or gold. The benefit of a crown is its realistic appearance.
Your tooth and gums might feel sore when the numbing medication wears off. Your gums may also swell. Most dentists will have you treat these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Call your dentist if the pain becomes extreme or lasts for more than a few days.
You should be able to resume your normal routine the day after the procedure. Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth until it’s permanently filled, or a crown is placed over the top.
A root canal is performed to save your tooth. Sometimes, however, the damage is too deep, or the enamel is too frail to withstand the procedure. These factors can lead to loss of the tooth.
Another risk is developing an abscess at the root of the tooth if some of the infected material remains behind or if the antibiotics aren’t effective.
If you’re apprehensive about a root canal, you can talk to your dentist about an extraction instead and a replacement option of the fabricated
A root canal is considered a restorative procedure. Most people who undergo the procedure can enjoy the positive results for the rest of their lives. Still, how long results last depends on the way you take care of your teeth.
Just as the rest of your teeth depend on good oral hygiene habits, your restored tooth requires regular brushing and flossing as well.