A root canal removes injured or dead pulp from inside a tooth. The nerve isn’t necessary for a healthy tooth, but the pulp is important to keep it free from bacteria that can cause infection and pain.

We start by numbing the area with local anesthesia. Then we drill a small hole to access the canals, which are then cleaned out and shaped. We then fill the canals and seal the tooth with gutta percha, which prevents saliva from damaging the tooth between appointments.

Symptoms

Having severe tooth pain that throbs or doesn’t go away, especially when eating or drinking hot and cold foods is a red flag that you need a root canal. The constant throbbing or pulsing is a sign that bacteria has reached the inner nerves and tissue in your tooth. If this isn’t treated right away, it can lead to an infection or abscess.

A persistent sour or metallic taste in your mouth can also be a sign that you need a root canal. This is a sign of bacterial growth that can cause the tooth pulp to die if it doesn’t get enough blood supply.

Swelling of the gums around your painful or infected tooth is another indication that you need a root canal. In some cases, your jawbone may become tender or swell around the area of the infected tooth. If you experience this, be sure to contact your dentist or endodontist immediately. They will take X-rays of the tooth and possibly give you antibiotics to prevent an infection from spreading.

Diagnosis

In the center of each tooth, under a white layer of enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is soft tissue called pulp. It contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue that help grow the root of a tooth during development. A fully mature tooth can survive without the pulp because it is nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

A root canal is needed if the inner pulp becomes injured or infected. This can happen when a tooth cracks or chips, or when bacteria infect the gum tissue around a broken or chipped tooth.

A root canal treatment is typically painless, but your mouth may feel numb for a few hours after the procedure. To keep your tooth dry and free of saliva during the procedure, your dentist will place a sheet of rubber (a dam) around it. Your dentist will then use a drill to open the top part of your tooth, the crown, to expose the soft tissue inside (pulp). They will remove infected pulp and replace it with a filling material.

Treatment

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic therapy, removes infection and saves your natural tooth. The procedure is painless in about 9 out of 10 cases.

Before beginning the treatment, your dentist will numb the area around your infected tooth. This is done with a dental anesthetic, which works quickly and effectively.

Inside each tooth is soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves. This is called the pulp and extends from the crown of the tooth to the tips of the roots. The pulp helps form and shape the tooth during development. It also provides a sensation of hot or cold and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth.

During a root canal, your dentist will make an opening in the top of the tooth. They will then remove the infected soft tissue and clean and sanitize the interior of the tooth and root canals. The tooth is then filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha and sealed to prevent future infection.

Recovery

During the recovery period after a root canal, it’s normal to feel some pain or sensitivity in the area of the treated tooth. However, this discomfort is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter medications. Nevertheless, patients should always report any discomfort to their dentists. Pain that persists or is throbbing may signal that the tooth is not healing properly or that there is an underlying dental issue.

It’s also important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and using an antiseptic mouthwash. The use of these preventive measures can help reduce the need for a root canal in the future. Additionally, patients should avoid chewing on the treated tooth until they receive clearance from their dentists to do so. This will prevent the tooth from becoming infected or breaking before a permanent crown can be placed.