When someone mentions “root canal,” it often conjures up images of long dental appointments and discomfort. Root canal treatment is a powerful and straightforward way to save an infected or badly damaged tooth, relieving pain and protecting your oral health.
What is a root canal? In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about a root canal, including why you might need one, how the procedure is performed, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment.
Let us start by understanding the basics.
Understanding the Basics: What Exactly Is a Root Canal?
The term “root canal” refers both to the natural space inside the centre of a tooth and to the dental procedure used to treat issues within that space. Inside each tooth, there is a hollow centre that houses the dental pulp. This soft tissue is made up of blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves, and plays an important role during tooth development.
When the tooth pulp becomes infected or inflamed, usually because of deep decay, a cracked tooth, or multiple dental procedures, root canal treatment is needed to preserve the affected tooth.
Root canal therapy focuses on removing the infected pulp, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the canals within the tooth, and sealing them to prevent future infection.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
A root canal may be crucial if the dental pulp within your tooth becomes infected or damaged. Some common reasons include:
Trauma to the tooth, even if there are no visible cracks
An infected tooth that has spread to the surrounding bone
If a tooth pulp infection is ignored, it can spread to neighbouring teeth, gums, and even the jawbone, potentially causing more serious health issues.
Identifying the Symptoms: Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Signs that you might need a root canal include:
Intense pain when chewing or biting
Ongoing sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation is gone
Darkening or noticeable discolouration of the tooth
Swelling or tenderness in the gums
A pimple-like bump on the gums, often suggesting a dental abscess
Persistent bad taste in the mouth or ongoing bad breath
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to book a dental checkup promptly to assess whether endodontic treatment is needed.
What Happens Inside the Tooth? Exploring the Dental Pulp and Root
Inside each tooth lies the dental pulp, a soft bundle of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It sits within the pulp chamber and extends down through canals inside the tooth root. The pulp keeps the tooth alive during early development, but once the tooth has matured, it can survive without it because it continues to be nourished by surrounding tissues.
When bacteria enter the hollow centre through a deep cavity, cracked enamel, or damaged dental work, they can infect the dental pulp. This infection causes inflammation and pressure inside the tooth, leading to severe pain and sometimes visible swelling.
If an infected root canal is not addressed, it can result in the loss of the tooth and may also impact the surrounding bone and soft tissues.
How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?
Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure designed to save the natural tooth by removing the damaged or infected pulp. The main goals of the treatment are to eliminate bacteria, prevent reinfection, and preserve the tooth structure.
Here is how the procedure typically unfolds:
1. Examination and Diagnosis
Your dentist will examine the affected tooth through visual checks, X-rays, and other diagnostic tests. They will assess the extent of the infection and determine if endodontic therapy is the appropriate treatment.
2. Anaesthesia and Preparation
Before starting, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area. A small protective barrier called a dental dam will be placed around the tooth to keep it clean and free of saliva during the procedure.
3. Accessing the Pulp Chamber
A small access opening will be made in the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
4. Removing the Infected Pulp
The dentist uses technical instruments to remove the infected or inflamed pulp from the inner pulp chamber and the canals within the tooth. The canals are then carefully shaped and cleaned to remove any lingering bacteria.
5. Filling the Canals
Once cleaned and disinfected, the hollow centre of the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha. This hard material seals the canals to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
6. Restoration
In many cases, a temporary filling is used to protect the tooth between appointments. A final restoration, often a dental crown or artificial tooth, is added later to restore the tooth’s full function and strength.
Root canal treatment might take more than one visit, especially for complex cases or if the infection is severe.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
With modern dental techniques and the use of local anaesthetic, root canal therapy today is about as comfortable as having a filling. Most people report immediate relief from the severe pain that brought them to the dentist in the first place.
After the procedure, it is normal to feel mild tenderness for a few days as the body heals. Your dentist will provide precise instructions on managing any discomfort and protecting the treated tooth.
What Happens If You Do Not Get a Needed Root Canal?
Ignoring a diseased tooth or an infected root canal can lead to serious consequences. Left untreated, the infection can:
Spread to surrounding bone and soft tissues
Cause the loss of adjacent teeth
Lead to the formation of abscesses
Result in systemic infections affecting overall health
In the end, the affected tooth might need to be extracted, requiring further treatment like dental implants, bridges, or dentures to rebuild your smile.
Early intervention through root canal treatment saves the natural tooth and prevents costly and extensive dental work later on.
Life After a Root Canal: How to Care for Your Treated Tooth
A treated tooth can last as long as your other teeth with proper care. Here are some tips:
Avoid chewing hard foods with the treated tooth until it has been completely restored.
Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully after the procedure.
Although the nerve has been removed, the treated tooth is still alive, nourished by the surrounding bone and connective tissue.
Myths About Root Canal Treatment Debunked
Although root canal therapy offers many benefits, it is often misunderstood. Here are some common myths clarified:
Myth: Root canal treatment is painful.
Fact: The treatment relieves pain caused by the infected pulp and is performed under local anaesthetic.
Myth: It is better to extract the tooth.
Fact: Saving your natural tooth with root canal therapy preserves the alignment of your other teeth and maintains proper chewing function.
Myth: The tooth will eventually fall out anyway.
Fact: A properly treated and restored tooth can endure a lifetime with good oral health habits.
Common Questions About Root Canal Treatment
If you have been told you might need a root canal, it is natural to have plenty of questions. Understanding what the treatment involves can ease your worries and help you feel more confident about taking the next steps toward restoring your oral health. Here, we answer some of the most common questions people have about root canal therapy.
Can an infected root canal happen again?
In rare cases, root canal infection can recur if the treated tooth becomes exposed to bacteria. Regular dental visits and good oral care help prevent reinfection.
How long does the root canal procedure take?
A straightforward root canal is often completed in a single visit. However, more complex cases, especially those with multiple canals in the tooth root, might need more than one appointment.
What is gutta-percha?
Gutta percha is a durable, rubber-like material used to fill the cleaned root canals. It helps seal the space to prevent bacteria from re-entering.
Are There Other Options Besides Root Canal Therapy?
If saving the tooth is not possible, the main alternative to root canal therapy is extracting the tooth and replacing it with an artificial tooth, such as a dental implant or a bridge.
Final Thoughts: Root Canal Treatment Is a Step Towards Saving Your Smile
Root canal treatment might seem daunting, but it is a safe and highly effective dental procedure that helps preserve your natural tooth.
By removing the infected pulp and carefully cleaning the canals inside the tooth root, and sealing the area, endodontic treatment restores comfort, functionality, and overall oral health.
Delaying treatment can put your oral and overall health at risk, so if you are experiencing signs of a tooth pulp infection or severe pain, do not wait. Seek advice from a qualified dentist.
Maintaining your natural tooth is almost always the best option, and with advances in modern dentistry, root canal therapy offers a comfortable, reliable solution to a once-dreaded problem.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Root canal. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21759-root-canal
Healthline. (n.d.). Tooth extraction: Procedure, healing, and risks. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/tooth-extraction
Colgate. (n.d.). What is good oral hygiene? Colgate. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Cavities/tooth decay: Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
