What Exactly Is a Root Canal?

All About Root Canals

A root canal is an intensive dental treatment that's designed to save a badly decayed or infected tooth. When your tooth reaches a stage where your cavity has reached your nerve - a root canal is recommended to help fix your tooth.

A root canal is necessary when an infection reaches the pulp of your tooth. The pulp is a soft area of tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. The pulp sends nourishment to your teeth to help it grow and stay healthy. An adult tooth can survive without the pulp. During a root canal, your dentist removes the pulp and nerves from the inside of the tooth. The area is cleaned out and sealed to prevent further decay and infection.

When Would You Need a Root Canal?

Your teeth can reach this stage if they've been neglected if you've had trauma to your teeth or if you have advanced gum disease. A tooth that has had a large cavity or other extensive work might also be susceptible to developing advanced decay.

How Does Your Dentist Treat a Root Canal?

A root canal can be performed by a dentist or an endodontist, who is a specialist in treating the roots of teeth.

Getting a root canal actually involves several steps. During the first appointment, the dentist cleans out the nerves and pulp. In most cases, you must return to get a filling on your tooth.

Some people will need a third step, called a crown and post, to fully restore the tooth. The goal of a root canal is to restore the looks and function of your tooth back to normal.

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

The treatment can take anywhere from one hour to three hours. This depends on the extent of the decay and the location of the tooth.

• Your dentist first numbs the area around the tooth and then places a rubber dam around the tooth.

• The dentist drills into the tooth to remove the pulp and nerves.

• Your dentist uses a series of very small, fine files to clean the inside of the tooth.

• During the cleaning, your dentist will periodically rinse the debris out with water or a sterile solution.

• Your dentist places a seal on the tooth. In some cases, your dentist may wait until your next appointment to place the seal.

• You'll have follow-up appointments for the final seal and crown if they're necessary.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

Although root canals have a reputation for being painful, in reality, the treatment is no more painful than an ordinary cavity filling. Your dentist will ensure you're completely numb throughout the procedure.

What Happens After a Root Canal?

You will feel numb for a few hours after your root canal. You should avoid eating until the numbness passes, but you should be able to go right back to work, school or your other activities immediately after the treatment. In some cases, you may feel a slight soreness in your gums for about a day after getting a root canal. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or other medications. 

Be sure to follow your dentist's instructions for all follow-up care and restorative work.

Get a Safe, Non-Scary Root Canal at Malan Family Dentistry

At Malan Family Dentistry, we understand that many people are nervous about dental treatments like root canals. You can relax and rest assured that modern root canal techniques are as fast and painless as a cavity filling. We make sure you're fully informed and completely comfortable during all our treatments. Contact us today for comprehensive, compassionate care for your whole family.