Root canal treatment

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal, or endodontic therapy, treats infected or damaged teeth by removing infected pulp tissue. It's necessary when the tooth's pulp is inflamed due to decay or trauma. The procedure clears infection, preserves the tooth, and prevents pain and further damage, avoiding extraction.

When are Root Canals Used?

Root canals are performed by dentists or endodontists, typically dealing with the inside of the tooth, or what is known in dentistry as the root or pulp of the tooth. Pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue and helps develop the hard outer shell of the tooth as it erupts in the mouth.

The pulp of a tooth can become infected or inflamed. This can occur for several reasons, including deep cavities, injuries, cracks, or chips in the tooth. It can also be caused by previous dental procedures. Most people who end up needing root canal treatments come to the dentist with tooth pain, temperature sensitivity, or pain in the gums.

A root canal is an alternative for tooth extraction, which completely removes the infected tooth from the mouth. Saving the natural tooth can help preserve the alignment of the teeth.

How do I know if I need a Root Canal?

Determining if you need a root canal typically involves a thorough examination by a dentist or an endodontist. However, there are several signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal. If experiencing any of the following, it is recommended that you see a dentist.

• Tooth decay: Darkening or discoloration of the tooth, particularly if it is accompanied by pain or sensitivity, may indicate nerve damage or decay within the tooth.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Feeling sensitivity when biting or applying pressure to the tooth, alongside heightened sensitivity to hot or cold, especially in one tooth, could signal nerve damage or infection inside.
• Gum Swelling or Tenderness: Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth can be a sign of infection spreading from the tooth's root.
• Chipped or cracked tooth: A chip or crack in a tooth can let bacteria in, infecting the inner layers (dental pulp), causing possible inflammation and nerve damage.
• Persistent Tooth Pain: Severe or lasting tooth pain, worsened by chewing or pressure, spreading to the jaw, ear, or nearby teeth, may indicate infected or inflamed pulp. Pain can be sharp, throbbing, and/or constant.
• Presence of an Abscess: A pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gums near the affected tooth, accompanied by pain and swelling, may indicate an infection that has spread from the tooth's root.

General procedure

During the procedure, the dentist removes infected or damaged tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, disinfects it, and then seals it to prevent further infection. Finally, the tooth is usually restored with a filling or crown to restore its strength and function.

• Ensure your oral hygiene is top-notch by brushing and flossing. This will help with reducing bacteria and discomfort during the procedure.
• Follow the dental team's instructions about eating and drinking before your appointment, particularly if sedation or anesthesia is planned.
• If you feel nervous, dress comfortably. You are welcome to bring along a supportive companion who can also assist with transportation if needed.
• Prioritize discussing any concerns with the Ironwood Dental team beforehand for reassurance.
• Practice relaxation techniques to stay calm and remember that Ironwood Dental's experts are here to alleviate your discomfort and preserve your dental health effectively.
• Ensure that you have taken any antibiotics prescribed to you before the appointment as instructed by the dentist.

How long will the appointment be?

Root Canal appointments are typically booked for 1- 2 hours. The exact time depends on the doctor performing the procedure, the complexity and if there are more than one root canal being completed

What does the procedure look like?

1. Preparing the area: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring the patient's comfort during the procedure.

2. Access: The dentist creates an opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. This step may involve drilling a small hole in the tooth's surface to reach the inner pulp chamber.

3. Pulp Removal: Using small instruments called files, the dentist carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals.

4. Cleaning and shaping: The dentist will use instruments and sometimes irrigation to clean the canals, they are then shaped to prepare them for filling.

5. Filling the canals: Next, they are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, that is heated then placed inside the canals. The dentist compresses it, so it fits snuggly against the walls. The dentist adds adhesive cement to further seal the canals. Properly sealed canals keep bacteria out.

6. Restoration: After the root canal is completed, the access opening in the tooth is filled with a temporary or permanent filling material. In many cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to provide strength and protection, especially if a significant portion of the tooth's structure has been removed during the procedure.

7. Follow-up: The patient may need to schedule a follow-up appointment to check the healing progress and discuss more about crowning the tooth.

Will the procedure hurt?

The experience of getting a root canal treatment (RCT) can vary from person to person, but generally, here's what you might expect:

• Numbness: Before the procedure begins, your dentist will administer numbing gel and local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth being treated.
• Pressure and Sensation: During the root canal procedure, you might feel some pressure or mild discomfort as the dentist accesses the inner part of the tooth and removes infected or damaged tissue. You may also feel vibrations from the dental instruments.
• Lack of Sensation: Since the nerve inside the tooth is being removed, you won't feel any pain associated with the nerve itself. However, you may still feel pressure in the surrounding tissues.
• Relief: If you've been experiencing pain or discomfort due to an infected or damaged tooth, you may actually feel relief as the infected tissue is removed during the procedure.
• Post-Procedure Discomfort: After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience some discomfort or mild pain in the treated tooth and surrounding area. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and should improve within a few days.
• Sensitivity: It's common to experience some sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks after a root canal procedure. This sensitivity typically diminishes over time as the tooth heals.

Overall, while the idea of a root canal may sound intimidating, many people find that the procedure is not as uncomfortable as they anticipated. The goal of the procedure is to relieve pain and save the natural tooth, and many patients experience significant improvement in their oral health and comfort afterward.

Diet

Avoid any chewing on the side of the treated tooth until the numbness has completely worn off - freezing will wear off within 2-4 hours.

You should not chew, drink hot or cold liquids, or smoke for the first hour. Avoid chewing on hard foods or using the treated tooth for biting down heavily

Smoking

Smoking can interfere with the healing process and should be avoided.

Pain

It's normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a root canal appointment, especially when chewing. It is not uncommon for a tooth to be uncomfortable or even exhibit a dull ache immediately after receiving root canal therapy.

Discomfort

You may experience a slightly different sensation from your treated tooth than your other teeth for some time. You may feel some tenderness in the area for a few days as everything heals and some mild soreness in your jaw from keeping your mouth open for an extended period during the procedure.

Medication

You can use over-the-counter medication but your doctor may prescribe something stronger. Ensure you carefully follow the instructions for all medications prescribed. Narcotics can make you drowsy so do not drive a car or operate any heavy machinery while taking them. If prescribed antibiotics take full course, even if feeling better.

Crown

A final crown will need to be placed to fully restore the tooth after root canal treatment. A crown covers and protects the tooth from breaking in the future. Unless otherwise noted by the dentist, it is critical to have a crown placed on your root canal treated tooth as soon as possible.

Oral Hygiene

You can brush and floss as usual, but make sure to be gentle around the treated area. Take care by brushing, flossing, coming in for regular checkups and cleanings