A root canal procedure is a general dental treatment that helps save a tooth when the inside is badly infected or damaged. You might have heard that it is invasive. But what is a root canal? When do you need one? And what should you expect during the procedure?
This article will address these three questions and more. By understanding the root canal process, you can feel confident in making the right decision to protect your dental health.
Why Would You Need A Root Canal?
A root canal is needed when the inside of your tooth—called the dental pulp—gets infected or inflamed. This soft tissue has nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
When it is damaged, it can cause more serious problems.
Several things can cause tooth pulp infection and necessitate getting a root canal:
Deep Decay
Bacteria can travel deep into the tooth pulp when a cavity is left unmanaged, leading to infection, swelling, and pain. A root canal treatment can help stop the infection and save your natural tooth.
Repeated Dental Procedures
If a tooth has been treated many times, it may become weaker. Repeated work—such as fillings, crowns, or repairs—can make the tooth structure more fragile, increasing the risk of infection. A root canal helps restore and strengthen the affected tooth.
A Cracked Or Chipped Tooth
Even a small crack in a tooth can let bacteria in, leading to infection. A chip or fracture might not always be painful at first, but the pulp chamber can become infected over time. A root canal can take out the source of the infection and prevent further damage.
Trauma To The Tooth
A sudden injury—such as a hit to the mouth—can damage the tooth pulp, even if there are no visible cracks. Sometimes, the blood supply to the tooth is affected, causing the pulp to die. A root canal treatment can help protect the tooth and keep it from needing to be removed.
If you have a tooth infection or severe pain, your dentist may suggest root canal treatment to save your natural tooth and maintain oral health.
Signs You May Need A Root Canal
Only a dentist can tell you for sure if you need this endodontic treatment, but there are some common signs to watch for. If you notice any of these, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is a good idea. Catching what’s wrong early can help save your tooth and prevent further problems.
Persistent Tooth Pain
Does your tooth hurt all the time? If you feel constant pain, especially when you chew or put pressure on it, the pulp inside your tooth may be infected or inflamed. A root canal treatment can help stop the pain.
Sensitivity To Hot Or Cold
Do you feel a sharp pain when you drink hot coffee or eat ice cream? If the pain lingers after eating or drinking something hot or cold, it could mean your tooth pulp is damaged. This is often a sign that you may need a root canal.
Swollen Gums
If the gums around your tooth look red, swollen, or tender, it could be a clear sign of an infection. Swollen gums can also feel sensitive to touch, and you may notice pain or pressure in that area.
Darkening Of The Tooth
A tooth that looks darker than the others may be damaged. When the pulp inside a tooth is infected, it can cause the tooth to change colour—often turning grey or brown. If you notice this, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure to help protect the natural tooth.
Pimple On The Gums
Sometimes, an infected tooth causes a small bump or pimple-like swelling on the gums. This is called a dental abscess, and it may fill with pus. If the abscess comes and goes, it means the infection is still there and needs to be treated. A root canal can help clear the infection and keep your tooth healthy.
If you have any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. The sooner you see a dentist, the better your chances of protecting your tooth with a root canal treatment.
Root Canal Procedure
If your dental professional has suggested a root canal, you might wonder about the procedure’s steps. Knowing each step can help you feel more prepared and comfortable about the treatment.
Here’s what happens during your root canal treatment visit:
Diagnosis And Preparation
Your dentist will start the process by taking comprehensive X-rays to check the condition of the affected tooth and the surrounding bone. This helps them see how deep the infection is and plan the treatment.
Tooth Isolation
Your dentist will place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva. This creates a clean working area and helps prevent bacteria from getting inside the tooth during the root canal process.
Pulp Removal
Next, your dentist will make precise cuts in the tooth to reach the infected pulp. The impacted tissue, including blood vessels and connective tissue, will then be carefully removed. This step helps stop the infection from spreading and relieves pain.
Cleaning And Shaping
After removing the infected pulp, the root canal system is cleaned thoroughly. Your dentist will use particular tools to remove bacteria and debris from inside the tooth. Then, the canal is shaped to prepare it for the root canal filling material.
Filling The Root Canal
Once the affected tooth is clean and free from infection, the root canal is filled with a biocompatible material. This helps seal the space and prevents further infection. The filling material ensures the tooth stays strong and protected.
Sealing And Restoring The Tooth
Your dentist will place a temporary or permanent filling over the opening to protect the tooth. A dental crown is often recommended to help strengthen the treated tooth and restore its function and appearance.
Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
After the procedure, your tooth and surrounding area may feel sensitive. But with the right care, you can heal and return to your normal routine.
Following your dentist’s instructions can help prevent further issues and keep your tooth strong for years to come. Here’s how you can care for your tooth after a root canal treatment:
Short-Term Care
In the first few days after your root canal, focus on protecting your tooth and managing any mild discomfort:
- Avoid Chewing On The Treated Tooth: This prevents unnecessary pressure or damage until the tooth is fully restored.
- Take Any Prescribed Medication As Directed: Your dentist may recommend pain relief or antibiotics if needed.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth gently and floss to keep your mouth clean without irritating the treated tooth.
Long-Term Care
Once your tooth has healed, ongoing care is key to keeping it healthy:
- Visit Your Dentist For Check-Ups: This helps check your treated tooth and catch any dental or oral issues early.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing twice and flossing once a day can help prevent further infection.
By taking good care of your treated tooth, you can keep your smile healthy and enjoy the benefits of root canal treatment for many years to come.
Root Canal Vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?
If you have a badly infected or damaged tooth, you may wonder whether a root canal or a tooth extraction is the better choice. While removing the tooth may seem like a quick fix, saving your natural tooth is often the better long-term solution for your dental health.
Here’s why:
- Prevents Other Teeth From Moving: When a tooth is removed, the surrounding teeth may start to move out of place. This leads to bite problems and alignment issues.
- Maintains A Natural Look And Feel: A root canal allows you to keep your teeth, so your smile stays complete and natural-looking.
- Avoids The Need For Replacement Teeth: If a tooth is extracted, you may need a restoration to fill the space. These options can be more expensive and need extra dental procedures.
- Boosts Chewing Ability: Keeping your natural tooth means you can eat without replacements.
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Sometimes, tooth extraction may be the best option, especially if the tooth is too decayed to be saved. If a root canal is impossible, your dentist may discuss replacement options, such as a dental implant or bridge, to restore your smile.
Dentists suggest root canals to save teeth when possible because they protect oral health and help maintain a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
Not to a great extent. Before the treatment, your dentist will numb the area so you won’t feel severe pain. After the procedure, you may feel some mild discomfort for a few days, but this goes away quickly. Your dentist will give you advice on how to feel better.
Can I eat after a root canal?
Yes, you can eat, but wait until your mouth is no longer numb. It’s best to eat soft foods for the first few days.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal usually takes one or two visits to the dentist, depending on how complicated the case is.
Will my tooth be fully functional after a root canal?
Yes! After your tooth is fixed with a filling or crown, it works just like any other tooth.
Can a root canal infection return?
It’s not very common, but the infection can come back. If that happens, you might need another treatment to fix it.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Most people feel better after a few days. You might feel discomfort or sensitivity, but it improves over time. Be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare advice to help your tooth heal well.
Can I drive home after a root canal?
Yes, most people can drive home after a root canal. The dentist only numbs the area, so you’ll be okay. But if you’re feeling nervous or have a sedative, it’s best to have someone drive you home.
Can I get a root canal on any tooth?
Yes, you can get a root canal on most teeth, including the front teeth, molars, and premolars. Some teeth are trickier to treat, depending on where they are and how bad the infection is.
Can children need a root canal?
Yes, kids can need a root canal if they have a sick or broken tooth. The treatment for children is the same as that for adults, but the dentist will make sure the experience is as gentle and comfortable as possible.
Conclusion
A root canal is a great way to save a tooth that is infected or damaged. It helps fix your teeth and keep your smile healthy. With modern techniques, root canal treatment is more comfortable than ever. If you think you need a root canal, a dentist can check your teeth and give you the care you need.
If you think you need a root canal, you’ve found the right place! Contact Port Macquarie Dental Centre at (02) 6105 9853 to book an appointment. Our friendly team is here in Port Macquarie to help you keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources
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Watson S. Root Canal Surgery: Overview [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 30]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-root-canal-1059192
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WebMD Editorial Contributors. Dental Health and Root Canals [Internet]. WebMD. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 30]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-root-canals