A root canal is a procedure that saves a tooth when it becomes damaged or infected. It is very successful and often eliminates the need for extraction. During a what is a root canal? dentists remove the damaged tooth pulp (nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue), clean, shape, and disinfect the empty pulp chamber and canals, then fill them with a rubbery dental material.
Damaged or Infected Pulp
A root canal is a treatment that can save a damaged tooth. It removes bacteria from the blood and nerve supply inside a tooth (called the pulp). The tooth is then repaired and sealed. Infections that are left untreated can lead to the formation of a pus pocket (called an abscess). This causes pain, swelling and makes it hard to chew or swallow.
A bacterial infection of the tooth is usually caused by bacteria that get into the pulp chamber through cracks, deep restorations or a loose filling. The infection can spread to the root and surrounding bone, causing pain or a dental abscess.
During a root canal, the dentist will first numb the area around the bad tooth with local anesthesia. Then they will make a small opening in the top of the tooth and clean the pulp chamber and canals (tiny pathways in the tooth) with special files and disinfectants. They will then place a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to seal the canals and the opening in the tooth. A root canal may cause some tenderness after the procedure, but over-the-counter or prescription pain medications usually relieve this.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, can be an extremely painful condition. It is characterised by a sudden short sharp pain in your teeth when exposed to certain stimuli such as hot or cold, sweet or acidic foods or drinks and even brushing or flossing.
Sufferers of tooth sensitivity may find ways to manage the pain such as by taking less food or drink or by chewing with their back teeth, drinking through a straw or covering sensitive areas with toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain fluoride. The reality is, however, that these measures will only provide temporary relief.
A root canal is a treatment that can relieve pain by removing the infected or damaged pulp. After numbing the area, your dentist will make a small opening in your tooth to access the pulp chamber and then remove the infected or damaged tissue. The chamber is then cleaned and sealed. This procedure will also prevent further infection and will save your natural tooth from extraction, which can cause jawbone problems and occlusion issues.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, occurs when bacteria attack and weaken the enamel and dentine of a tooth. Over time, a hole forms in the enamel and exposes the root of the tooth. This allows bacteria to penetrate the roots and cause an infection that can lead to severe pain or a tooth abscess.
X-rays and dental examination can detect tooth decay in the earliest stages and help you prevent future damage to the teeth and gums. Symptoms of early tooth decay include lingering tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, which may progress into a sharp or aching pain.
During root canal treatment, your dentist uses anesthesia to numb the infected tooth and surrounding gums. They then remove the infected pulp and carefully clean and seal the inside of the tooth. After the root canal is completed, the tooth will be fitted with a crown, which helps to preserve the tooth.
Gum Disease
If you’ve noticed persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling around the mouth, it could be an indication of a root canal infection. These infections do not heal on their own and can lead to other serious health problems, so it’s important to come in for treatment right away.
Inside a tooth, under the white enamel and hard layer called dentin is soft tissue known as pulp. Pulp is made of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that help form the hard tissues surrounding a tooth during development. It also helps you feel sensations like temperature. Pulp can become irritated, inflamed, or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, large fillings, cracks or chips in teeth, or trauma to the face.
During a root canal treatment, we remove the infected or damaged pulp and clean the space. Then we disinfect and fill the canals (tiny pathways inside your tooth) with gutta-percha material to prevent bacteria from leaking back into the tooth.