Getting to the Root of the Problem with Root Canal Therapy

A root canal is a specialized procedure that is done by a dentist in order to save or fix a tooth that is infected, decayed, etc. The term root canal comes from the treatment's mission, which is to remove and clean the nerve and pulp inside the root of the tooth, or root canal. The tooth's root canal is in its center, full of soft pulp and tissue. This is where the nerves to your tooth lay. During a root canal treatment, all of the pulp tissue and nerves are removed from the tooth and the roots are sealed.

Teeth that are fixed or repaired with a root canal treatment can last years and years with the proper care. In fact, root canal therapies have more than a 95 percent success rate.

Root canal treatments are performed when a tooth becomes damaged, decayed, or infected for a variety of reasons. When the tissue or pulp within your tooth becomes damaged, your tooth begins to break down. Bacteria them begin to multiply within your tooth and cause serious problems. Damage to your tooth's root can be caused by a variety of things including the following:

• Deep or untreated cavities in teeth
• Fractures, cracks, or broken teeth
• Injuries to the tooth or gums
• Dental procedures that have exacerbated issues

Without receiving root canal treatment, infections and abscesses can form in the surrounding tissue in your mouth. This can result in extensive tooth damage, as well as possible health problems.

You may be suffering from an infection or decay in your teeth and need a root canal treatment if you are experiencing severe pain during chewing or with pressure, darkening of the tooth, tenderness or swelling, sensitivity to heat or cold, or small bumps located on gums near the site of pain.

When your dentist has performed exams and x-rays and has determined you should receive a root canal, he or she will use your x-rays to determine where your tooth's decay is located. When you come in for your root canal procedure, here's what you can expect:

1. Your dentist will administer local anesthetics to the affected area. Anesthetics stronger than that are typically not needed, but additional sedatives may be provided for those suffering from strong anxiety. Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatments are no more painful than other dental procedures such as cavity fillings.
2. Once you are fully numb, your dentist begins the pulpectomy, where an opening is created in the tooth and the necessary tissue and pulp are removed.
3. After removing all of the diseased tissue from the root canal, your dentist will use a specialized material to fill any exposed roots. Then, a temporary, cement-like material is used to seal off those roots.
4. This is typically done in one visit and you are sent home to wait for your permanent tooth, or crown to cover the affected tooth. Your second appointment is typically done a few weeks later, in which your dentist finishes the root canal with a permanent solution.

Following your root canal therapy, you may feel sensitive or mild pain for a few days because of the mouth's natural, inflammation response. While this can typically be managed by basic, over-the-counter pain medications, it is important to discuss severe pain levels with your dentist. Though there may be mild discomfort, most people can return to their normal, daily lives the day after receiving a root canal treatment.

As stated above, you must wait for another appointment to receive your permanent filling to the root canal. In between your first and second treatment, it is important to practice caution. Minimize chewing with the affected tooth and practice good oral hygiene habits. Your dentist will keep a close eye on your oral health, to ensure other areas of your mouth have not become infected. After a permanent crown has been placed, your tooth will look and feel natural and normal.