What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Here’s how it works:
- Pulp Removal: Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, lies a soft tissue called pulp. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. During tooth development, it helps grow the tooth’s root. However, in fully developed teeth, the pulp isn’t essential for survival because the tooth continues to be nourished by surrounding tissues.
- Infection or Inflammation: When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, large fillings, cracks, or chips, it can cause severe pain and discomfort.
- Root Canal Procedure: The root canal treatment involves the following steps:
- Cleaning and Disinfection: The dentist or endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp from the inside of the tooth. The root canal is carefully cleaned and disinfected.
- Filling and Sealing: After cleaning, the root canal is filled with a special material and sealed to prevent reinfection.
- Preserving the Natural Tooth: The goal is to save the natural tooth by eliminating bacteria from the infected root canal.
- Advantages of Root Canal Treatment:
- Efficient chewing
- Normal biting force and sensation
- Natural appearance
- Protection of other teeth from excessive wear or strain
- Common Symptoms Indicating the Need for a Root Canal:
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- Pimples on the gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
- Swollen or tender gums
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
- Recovery Time: Although you’ll likely be numb for a few hours after the procedure, most patients can return to school or work directly following a root canal.
Remember, a modern root canal is nothing like the old tales—it’s similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments. So, if your dentist recommends a root canal, there’s no need to worry. Millions of teeth are treated and saved this way each year, relieving pain and restoring dental health.