Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure in which the diseased or damaged pulp (core) of a tooth is removed and the inside areas (the pulp chamber and root canals) are filled and sealed.
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The pulp, or soft inner tissue of your tooth, is normally surrounded and protected by a layer of dentin. Above the gumline, a layer of enamel protects the dentin; below the gumline, the dentin is covered by cementum. When a deep cavity, decay or crack destroys these protective layers, the pulp is exposed to the bacteria in your mouth. This can result in inflammation, infection and, eventually, necrosis (pulp death). A severe blow to the tooth can also damage the pulp. Irritants may then escape from the end of the root and cause a diseased area (apical lesion) in the bone. Pus accumulates at the ends of the roots, forming a painful abscess (Pus filled cavity usually seen in this condition in side the mouth), which can damage the bone supporting the teeth. Such an infection may produce pain that is severe, constant, or throbbing, as well as prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums, facial swelling, and discoloration of the tooth. However, in some cases, the pulp may die so gradually that there is little noticeable pain.
Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp and irritants. This allows the bone surrounding the root end to repair and heal.
Common signs of pulp problems include:
- Pain when biting down on a tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums around the infected tooth
Root canal treatment removes the damaged pulp and irritants. This allows the bone surrounding the root end to repair and heal.
Common signs of pulp problems include:
- Pain when biting down on a tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen gums around the infected tooth
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You could get it removed, but then adjoining teeth may shift and interfere with biting and chewing. You can have a replacement tooth implanted or attached to adjacent healthy teeth, but this can be expensive and require even more dental treatment. There is no real substitute for your own natural tooth, which is more efficient in chewing and biting than an artificial one.
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An examination, including X-rays, will be performed. A local anesthetic will be given, if necessary. A sheet of rubber latex, called a “rubber dam,” will/may be placed around the tooth to isolate it and keep it clean and dry during treatment.
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With modern techniques and anesthetics people report that having a root canal treatment is about as painless as having a cavity filled. Should you experience any discomfort, call your dentist, who will do everything possible to make you comfortable.
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The tooth may be sore or you may experience pain/discomfort for several days after the filling. Pain relievers, may be taken to ease the soreness as prescribed by the dentist. The tissues around the tooth may also be irritated. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times a day will help. Chewing on that side of the mouth may need to be avoided for the first few days following treatment. A follow-up appointment should be scheduled with the dentist for six months after treatment to make sure the tooth and surrounding structures are healthy.
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(1) Soreness - Most patients experience a little soreness after the appointment. This may be due to the injection, the necessity of keeping the mouth open for a long time, or the treatment. Your temporary filling will be hard enough to bite on within approximately a half-hour, but avoid biting or chewing on the treated tooth if it hurts.
(2) Pain - Over-the-counter pain relievers usually relieve the discomfort. Should pain last more than a few days, or if severe pain or swelling occur, call your dentist. Remember, if your tooth hurt before you came in for treatment, it may take a while to heal.
(3) Permanent Filling - When your root canal treatment is complete, a temporary filling is placed. The tooth needs to be permanently restored to prevent contamination or fracture, so you will need to return for a permanent restoration. It is important to return promptly because the temporary filling can loosen and leak, possibly causing the root canal treatment to fail, which would necessitate re-treatment.
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