Root Canals
Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called pulp, made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes inflamed or infected, often due to decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth, it can cause severe pain. In many cases, root canal therapy is needed to remove the infection and save the natural tooth.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a small channel inside the tooth that houses nerves and blood vessels. These canals begin at the tip of each tooth’s root and lead to the pulp chamber at the center of the tooth. Most teeth have one root canal, but some—especially molars—may have two or more. When infection reaches this area, root canal therapy is often the best option for treatment.
Why might I need root canal therapy?
When a tooth experiences trauma, decay, or repeated dental procedures, the pulp inside can become inflamed or infected. If left untreated, the pulp may die, leading to a buildup of internal pressure and increasing discomfort. You may experience sharp pain when biting or chewing, or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
Without root canal treatment, the infection can spread to the surrounding bone, leading to bone loss or even tooth loss. Treating the issue early with root canal therapy helps eliminate the infection and preserve your natural tooth.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is typically completed in one to three appointments, depending on the condition of the tooth. During treatment, we removes the infected or damaged pulp, thoroughly cleans and shapes the root canals, and may apply an antibacterial medication inside the tooth to stop the spread of infection.
In some cases, the tooth is sealed immediately with a temporary crown or filling. In others, it may be left open to allow drainage. If additional strength is needed, a metal or fiber-reinforced post may be placed in the canal to stabilize the tooth.
Once the inside of the tooth is sealed and the infection is gone, a permanent crown — typically porcelain, ceramic, or porcelain-fused-to-metal — is placed to restore the tooth’s strength, shape, and appearance.
How will I feel after treatment?
After root canal therapy, some tissue inflammation is normal and may cause mild discomfort. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.
To protect the treated tooth, avoid chewing hard foods until the permanent crown is placed. Continue practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting we regularly to ensure your tooth stays healthy.
Are there any potential complications?
Although root canal therapy has a high success rate, complications can sometimes arise. In rare cases, a new infection may occur due to a hidden crack in the root, a failed restoration, or a breakdown in the seal inside the canal. If this happens, additional treatment, such as a root canal retreatment or apicoectomy, may be needed to fully resolve the problem.
Are there any alternatives to root canal therapy?
The main alternative to root canal therapy is the extraction of the affected tooth. While removal may eliminate the infection, it can also lead to shifting of nearby teeth, bite problems, and bone loss over time. Tooth replacement options like implants or bridges may be necessary after extraction.
Whenever possible, it’s best to save your natural tooth, and root canal therapy allows you to do exactly that. Talk to we to learn more and determine whether root canal treatment is right for you.
