There are probably no two words in dentistry that get as much of a bad rap as “root canal.” But what is a root canal? How can you tell if you need a root canal treatment? Are there any side effects? What happens after you get a root canal treatment?
We’re here to answer a few of the most common questions about root canals and put your mind at ease about this routine, tooth-saving procedure!
WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?
Although people usually use the words “root canal” to refer to an endodontic procedure (or as a negative way to describe a chore they really don’t want to do), a root canal is actually just part of every tooth’s normal anatomy.
Each tooth gets nutrients through tiny blood vessels that run through tunnels in its roots, up into a chamber in the center of the tooth. These tiny tunnels also protect nerve endings that send feedback about temperature changes, how much pressure you’re using when you chew and bite, and whether the tooth has been damaged.
These tiny tunnels running through the roots of the teeth are the root canals.
Unfortunately, there are times when a tooth becomes so severely damaged that its inner chamber (called the pulp) becomes infected or exposed. In other cases, the nerve of the tooth can die due to injury, infection, or even no apparent reason at all.
A root canal treatment is when your dentist or a tooth nerve specialist called an endodontist removes the damaged pulp and the nerve from within the root canals and replaces it with filling material. The result is a stabilized tooth that won’t keep you up at night with pain!
WHAT CAUSES ROOT CANAL PROBLEMS?
The nerves of a tooth can become inflamed for a variety of reasons. Tooth decay, left untreated, will work its way deep into the inner layers of the tooth. If the bacteria from tooth decay reaches the pulp, a filling is no longer an appropriate treatment.
In some cases, old fillings and crowns may become compromised and allow a tiny amount of bacteria to work its way under the restoration. Failing dental work is another common reason for root canal therapy.
Cracks and fractures that expose the pulp as well as severe wear can lead to root canal. Wearing a night guard and getting treatment for bruxism are great ways to prevent these problems!
Injuries and trauma to the teeth, such as from sports accidents or trip-and-fall incidents, can kill the nerve of the tooth even without exposing the pulp. Sometimes, the nerve may seem fine for a while—even years!—before symptoms start to show.
And then there are times when teeth become infected or their nerves die for no apparent reason at all. As frustrating as this can be, root canal treatments can give you an effective option to save your tooth!
HOW CAN I TELL IF I NEED ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Sometimes there is no question: your tooth is screaming for attention. At other times, it can be hard to tell if you need a root canal treatment.
You should call your dentist for a consultation for root canal therapy if:
You’re experiencing persistent tooth pain.
One or a few teeth are extremely sensitive, especially to heat.
A tooth becomes dark or discolored after an injury.
You find a pimple high on the gums, near where they meet your cheek.
Your gums or face are swollen.
One or a few teeth have throbbing, stabbing pain.
You have cracked a tooth and it hurts.
Your tooth hurts when you eat or touch it.
You experience random nerve pain in one or a few teeth that comes and goes.
The great thing about root canal therapy is it means an end to tooth pain!
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ROOT CANAL TREATMENT?
Because root canal therapy involves removing the nerve and blood supply from a tooth, that tooth is no longer receiving the nutrients it needs. The tooth will become weaker and more brittle over time.
If you need a root canal treatment in a molar, the tooth will probably break eventually. That’s why a crown usually follows root canal therapy. A crown provides full coverage over the entire tooth, keeping it strong, stable, and functional.
For front teeth, which don’t usually receive the same amount of biting force as molars, a crown may or may not be recommended. However, teeth frequently become dark or discolored after a root canal treatment. Teeth with root canal treatments can’t be brightened with tooth whitening, so a crown or porcelain veneer may be recommended to preserve your smile esthetics.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HEAL AFTER A ROOT CANAL?
In many cases, if you’ve been living with severe pain from an infected tooth, your root canal therapy may improve your symptoms right away.
However, since the process involves manipulating the nerves of a tooth, it’s not uncommon to feel sore after a root canal treatment. For most people, your tooth may feel tender for a few days, usually less than a week, with symptoms slowly subsiding on their own.
If you have intense or lingering pain after your root canal treatment, don’t hesitate to call your dentist to discuss it!
SEE US FOR FEAR-FREE ROOT CANAL THERAPY IN WINTER PARK, FL!
At Anderson Family Dental, we want to keep your smile as healthy as possible. But we understand a root canal treatment is no one’s idea of a good time.
We offer dental sedation options to keep you completely comfortable and relaxed if you’re anxious about any treatment. Root canal therapy may save your tooth, so don’t hesitate to call us if you think you need one!