The Truth About Root Canals | Lincoln Smiles Dental

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Understanding Root Canal Therapy

If your dentist has recommended a root canal, you may feel anxious. Root canals have a reputation in popular culture as one of the most uncomfortable dental procedures, but the truth is that modern root canal therapy is actually a pain-relieving treatment, not a painful one. Understanding what actually happens during a root canal can help ease your anxiety and help you understand why this procedure is so important for saving your tooth.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

A root canal becomes necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. The pulp is the soft tissue at the center of your tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. When bacteria invade the pulp, usually due to deep decay, a crack in the tooth, or repeated trauma, the pulp can become infected. This causes pain and, if left untreated, can lead to abscess formation and eventual tooth loss.

During a root canal procedure, your dentist will first numb the tooth and surrounding area with local anesthetic. Once the area is completely numb, the dentist creates a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Special instruments called files are used to carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. The dentist will work systematically to clean out all the diseased tissue while being careful to preserve the structure of the tooth.

Once the pulp has been completely removed, the canals are shaped and cleaned. Your dentist may take radiographs to ensure that the canals have been properly cleaned and shaped. The canals are then filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which is a rubber-like substance that seals the canals and prevents re-infection. Finally, the access opening is sealed with a filling or crown to restore the tooth's structure and function.

Why Root Canals Hurt, but Treatment Doesn't

The pain that makes people fear root canals does not come from the treatment itself. Rather, the pain comes from the infected pulp inside the tooth. When a tooth needs a root canal, the pulp is inflamed, irritated, and infected. This inflammation is what causes the pain that brings patients to the dentist in the first place. The root canal procedure actually relieves this pain by removing the source of the inflammation.

Because the tooth is completely numbed with local anesthesia before the procedure begins, you should not feel pain during the root canal treatment. You may feel pressure and vibration from the instruments, but these sensations should not be painful. If you do experience pain during the procedure, let your dentist know immediately so they can adjust the anesthetic.

Why Saving Your Tooth Matters

The goal of a root canal is to save your natural tooth. This is important for several reasons. Natural teeth function better than any replacement, provide better sensation, and preserve the bone structure of your jaw. Once a tooth is lost, the bone that supported that tooth begins to deteriorate, which can lead to changes in your facial structure and difficulty with subsequent tooth replacement.

While tooth replacement options like dental implants and bridges have improved significantly, your natural tooth is always the best option if it can be saved. A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth and avoid the more complex and expensive procedures that may be necessary if the tooth is lost.

What to Expect After Root Canal Treatment

After your root canal procedure is complete, the tooth will likely be sensitive for a few days. This sensitivity is normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Your dentist may recommend that you avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a few days while it heals.

A tooth that has had a root canal is more brittle than a natural tooth because it no longer has blood supply from the pulp. For this reason, teeth that have undergone root canal therapy usually need to be restored with a crown or other restoration to protect them and restore their full function. This restoration is typically placed a few weeks after the root canal procedure, once healing is complete.

Prevention is Better Than Treatment

While root canal therapy is highly successful and saves many teeth every year, it is always better to prevent the need for a root canal in the first place. You can reduce your risk of needing a root canal by maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams. Protecting your teeth from trauma by wearing a mouthguard during sports and avoiding chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candy can also help prevent damage that might require root canal treatment.

If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, seek dental treatment promptly. Early treatment of damage or decay can prevent the need for more complex treatment later. Similarly, if you experience tooth pain, contact your dentist right away. Pain is your tooth's way of signaling that something is wrong, and prompt treatment can often prevent more serious problems.

The Bottom Line

Root canal therapy has an undeserved reputation for pain and suffering. In reality, modern root canal treatment is a comfortable procedure that relieves pain rather than causes it. If your dentist has recommended a root canal, you can be confident that this procedure is the best way to save your natural tooth and prevent more serious problems down the road.

At Lincoln Smiles Dental, Dr. Sepi has extensive experience in root canal therapy and uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure a comfortable experience. If you have questions about root canals or are concerned about a tooth that might need treatment, contact our office to schedule a consultation.