A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This simple treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment that saves badly damaged or infected teeth. Many people feel scared when they hear “root canal,” but this procedure can actually save your natural tooth and stop pain.
Your tooth has layers. The hard outer part is called enamel. Inside is a soft part called pulp. This pulp has nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria get inside and infect the pulp, it causes severe pain and swelling.
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
Several things can damage the inside of your tooth:
- Deep tooth decay that reaches the pulp
- Cracks or chips that let bacteria inside
- Injury to your face or mouth
- Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
- Large fillings that weaken the tooth
Signs you might need a root canal include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling, and tender gums.
At the center of your tooth is pulp. Pulp is a collection of blood vessels that helps to build the surrounding tooth. Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma to the tooth, deep decay, cracks and chips, or repeated dental procedures. Symptoms of the infection can be identified as visible injury or swelling of the tooth, sensitivity to temperature or pain in the tooth and gums.
What Happens During Treatment?
Root canal treatment usually takes one or two visits. Your dentist will:
- Numb the area around your tooth
- Make a small hole in the tooth
- Remove the infected pulp
- Clean and shape the inside
- Fill the space with special material
- Seal the hole
- Place a crown to protect the tooth/li>
Most patients feel much better after treatment. The severe pain goes away once the infection is removed.
