Can this be comfortable?

So often in the past, dentists worked on patients in immediate pain.  This has given rise to the bad reputation of a “root canal”.  My priority is to have you properly medicated wherever possible to calm a tooth down before we ever begin treatment.  A painful tooth is difficult to anaesthetize/freeze and so particular medications such as anti-inflammatories or antibiotics are frequently used to remove the distress patients experience before what no longer needs to be the  dreaded “root canal” appointment.

What exactly is a Root Canal?

A root canal (also called endodontic therapy) is a relatively simple procedure that’s needed if the pulp tissue or nerve inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. The most common cause is tooth decay progressing down into the tooth that allows harmful bacteria to reach the soft tissue: Other causes can include:

• Trauma or an accidental blow to the tooth
• Multiple fillings over the years
• A broken down tooth needing a crown (cap)

The inflammation and infection can also spread into the surrounding bone at the end of the tooth. The tooth and surrounding area may become very painful and swelling may occur. Once this happens, a root canal procedure must be performed in order to save the tooth. The only alternative is having the tooth extracted.

Typical symptoms

The most common indicator that you may need a root canal is pain or discomfort. Other signs to look for include:

• Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
• Discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
• Sensitivity to chewing or to tapping

What to expect when you visit

Root canal treatment can take a little as one, but more likely two or sometimes three office visits. During the procedure your dentist will numb the tooth, remove the inflamed or infected pulp, clean and shape the inside of the tooth, then fill and seal the space to prevent further infection and discomfort.

Afterwards, it is essential that you return to have a crown or other restoration placed over the tooth to protect it.

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if you had pain or infection before the procedure. You can relieve it with over-the-counter or prescription medications.

 

Your tooth is alive and well

A common belief is that by removing the nerve, the tooth becomes “dead.” Actually, the tooth is very much alive and functioning because it receives a source of blood supply and nerve supply from the surrounding tissues that hold it in place. The tooth will have no sense of feeling to hot, cold, or sweets, but will be responsive to biting pressure.

With proper restoration the tooth should last as long as your other teeth, and can even be used as an anchor tooth for a partial denture or cemented bridge. The success rates for root canal therapy have been reported to be as high as 95 percent.