Tooth decay and infection can lead to severe pain, making eating, speaking, or going about daily life difficult. While some assume tooth extraction is the only solution, modern root canal treatment offers an effective way to save your natural tooth and relieve discomfort.
In this guide, you’ll learn what a root canal is, the key signs that indicate you may need one, and the step-by-step process of the procedure. We’ll also cover the benefits of root canal treatment, what to expect during recovery, and how to care for your tooth afterward. Discover how a root canal can help preserve your natural smile while ensuring long-term oral health.
What Is Root Canal Treatment
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth. The inner chamber is then carefully cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth.
Signs You Need A Root Canal
A root canal treatment is necessary when the dental pulp — the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels — becomes inflamed or infected. Signs that you may need a root canal treatment include:
- Persistent Pain: Ongoing toothache, especially when chewing or applying pressure, is a standard indicator of pulp issues. Discomfort that starts mild but gradually intensifies can signal a progressive infection. Pain that spreads from the affected tooth to the jaw, ear, or even the side of the face is a common sign of pulp infection.
- Prolonged Sensitivity: Extended sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can signal root damage.
- Swelling: Inflammation in the surrounding gum tissue.
- Discolouration: Darkening of the tooth, indicating possible nerve damage.
- Pulp Necrosis: This occurs when the pulp tissue dies, often leading to infection spreading to the surrounding bone and gums.
- Pimples or Abscess on the Gums: Small, pus-filled bumps on the gums near the affected tooth, indicating infection.
- Loose Tooth: Affected teeth may feel mobile due to weakened surrounding structures from infection.
- Bad Taste in Mouth: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth caused by infection.
Causes of Pulp Infection
Tooth infections often start with untreated cavities. When bacteria break down the enamel, decay spreads deeper into the tooth, eventually reaching the soft inner pulp, causing pain and inflammation.
But cavities aren’t the only cause—tiny cracks in your tooth from grinding, injuries, or even biting something hard can let bacteria in, leading to infection. In some cases, having multiple dental treatments, like repeated fillings or deep restorations, can also irritate the pulp and cause damage over time.
The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
A root canal helps avoid tooth extraction, which would otherwise require costly replacements like dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures if you want to restore your smile.
It also prevents jawbone loss by keeping the natural tooth in place, preserving bone density and facial structure. This procedure also has an aesthetic element. Discolouration and damage caused by infection can affect your smile and confidence.
Retaining your natural teeth is also essential for cosmetic dentistry, as it helps maintain your smile’s natural alignment, shape, and aesthetics. Although there are ways of supplementing this, the best way is to support your teeth rather than add or remove them.
The Root Canal Treatment Procedure
Preparation and Anaesthesia
Before starting the procedure, your dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth using local anaesthesia to minimise discomfort. If you’re feeling anxious, you can ask about sedation options to help you stay relaxed. Some sedatives may make you drowsy, so arranging a ride home afterward is a good idea.
To keep the area clean and free from bacteria, your dentist will place a dental dam—a small protective sheet—over your tooth. This helps keep the tooth dry and prevents any debris from getting into your mouth during the procedure.
Removing the Infected Pulp and Cleaning the Tooth
Once the area is numb, your dentist will create a small opening in the top of your tooth to reach the infected pulp inside. Removing this damaged tissue is essential to stop the infection from spreading inside the tooth.
Next, they carefully clean and shape the root canals using specialised tools. This step ensures that all infected tissue and bacteria are removed. Once cleaned, your dentist disinfects the area to reduce the risk of reinfection.
Placing a Temporary Filling
After the root canals are cleaned and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to prevent reinfection, your dentist will place a temporary filling over the opening. A permanent filling or crown will later be placed to restore strength and function
If the tooth is weak or has lost a lot of structure, they may recommend a dental crown for extra strength and protection. A crown helps restore the tooth’s function and prevents it from cracking or breaking in the future.
The entire root canal procedure usually takes between 60 to 90 minutes, but the exact time depends on the tooth’s condition and complexity. Some mild discomfort is normal after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Recovering from Root Canal Treatment
Immediately after the treatment, your focus is on post-procedure pain management. Mild discomfort or tenderness is normal for a few days. You can manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your dentist places a filling or crown.
For 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, stick to soft foods like yoghurt, potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Similarly, avoid spicy, hot, and hard foods that could irritate the treated area. Ensure you stay hydrated, but avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can displace any temporary fillings.
When it comes to oral hygiene, you should be more gentle than usual. Brush and floss as normal, but be gentle around the treated tooth. An alcohol-free mouthwash can help prevent irritation and infection. Avoid smoking, as it can increase the risk of complications.
Your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure proper healing and place a permanent crown if necessary. Once the final restoration is in place, you can resume a regular diet while maintaining good oral hygiene to ensure the long-term success of the treated tooth.
Conclusion
A root canal is a straightforward, effective way to save a natural tooth. Choosing root canal treatment means preserving your natural smile, preventing further damage, and avoiding more expensive dental procedures in the future.
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling — don’t let tooth pain disrupt your life. Schedule your root canal treatment and restore your smile with a pain-free, effective solution. Book online today.
