Root Canals

When damage reaches the pulp of a tooth, a root canal is needed. Also known as endodontic treatment, root canals have a reputation for being unpleasant, but you might be surprised to find out that most patients experience very little discomfort during the procedure thanks to modern endodontic techniques and local anesthetic injections that numb the area before we start to work.

When decay or damage reaches the tooth’s pulp, it can be quite painful. This is because the pulp of the tooth is rich with blood vessels and nerve endings, making it especially sensitive. Infection in the pulp can travel to surrounding tissues, form abscesses, and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, which is why it’s critical to get treated promptly.

The ultimate goal of a root canal is to eliminate the need for extraction by saving your natural tooth. When a tooth is extracted, bone loss occurs in the jaw. This leads to a weakened bite, shifting teeth, and sometimes even facial collapse. While dental implants can correct these issues, root canals are a much more affordable option, so they are always our first line of treatment for an infected tooth.

The first step in the root canal procedure is to conduct an oral exam and take imaging, which allows us to map the structure of your tooth below the gum line. This imaging also allows us to look for infection inside the tooth or in the surrounding bone.

Next, we open your tooth and remove the infected pulp. The inside of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly and an antimicrobial treatment is applied to prevent the tooth from becoming reinfected. We use a rubber-like material to replace the removed pulp, then the tooth is sealed with a filling, inlay, onlay, or crown. 

If a crown, inlay, or onlay is needed, impressions will be taken after the root canal is complete, allowing us to fabricate a restoration that fits your tooth securely. While you wait for the permanent restoration to be made, we will place a temporary restoration on the tooth to protect it from damage. In a few weeks, you’ll return to our office for a second appointment in which we will bond the permanent restoration to the treated tooth.

After your root canal, it’s not unusual to experience some sensitivity and soreness for a few days. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medications are usually enough to alleviate any discomfort. You can return to work, school, and other activities right away. As far as eating is concerned, you may feel more comfortable eating soft foods in the hours and days after the procedure and if you have a temporary restoration, you should avoid foods that are hard or sticky in order to keep it from being damaged.

Read More About Root Canal Aftercare