A root canal is often recommended when it is possible to save the structure of a natural tooth after infection or damage. The better alternative to a tooth extraction, a root canal is an important dental treatment and can help you preserve your natural bite. Dr. Escobar and Dr. Jennings offer root canals when considered necessary to restore your dental health.
Root Canals: What to Expect
The root canal process is far different today than years ago. Patients are made comfortable with a local anesthetic and the tooth to be treated is prepared by making a tiny hole in the back. This allows access to the interior pulp chambers. Once opened and cleaned, most patients experience relief from the pressure and discomfort that precipitated the need for a root canal. Our dental care team will carefully remove the infected pulp and replace it with a biocompatible material that will support tooth structure.
Once the tooth interior chambers are cleaned and refilled, we will close the back of the tooth. In most cases, we will recommend a second visit for placing a dental crown. This will add strength to the tooth and support a lasting result.
Signs you may need a root canal.
- Changes in the color of a tooth or graying of the tooth
- Increasing sensitivity to temperature when eating and drinking
- Sudden or throbbing pain in or around a tooth
- Changes in the appearance of the gums or small pimples along the gum line
- A cracked tooth or severe damage to a tooth
What Root Canals Treat
The procedure is designed to save the tooth and alleviate pain caused by infection or severe decay.
Tooth Infection
The most common reason for needing a root canal is when the tooth pulp becomes infected. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If bacteria enter the pulp, usually due to deep cavities or trauma to the tooth, it can cause an infection. Symptoms of an infected tooth can include severe pain, swelling, and sometimes a bad taste in your mouth.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding gums and jawbone, leading to serious health issues. A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it, helping to prevent the infection from spreading.
Severe Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth break down the enamel and cause cavities. If a cavity is not treated early, it can grow deeper and eventually reach the pulp inside the tooth. When this happens, the bacteria can infect the pulp, leading to pain, swelling, and even abscess formation. Root canals treat severe tooth decay by removing the infected pulp, cleaning the tooth, and sealing it to prevent it from spreading further. This procedure helps save the tooth from extraction and restores its function.
Cracked or Fractured Teeth
Teeth can crack or fracture due to trauma, biting on hard objects, or even excessive teeth grinding (bruxism). A crack or fracture that extends into the pulp can expose the inner tissues to bacteria, leading to infection or inflammation. In some cases, cracks or fractures may not show symptoms initially, but if the pulp becomes infected, you might experience pain, sensitivity, or swelling.
A root canal treats the damage by removing the infected or damaged pulp and sealing the tooth to prevent further issues. This allows the tooth to remain in place rather than being extracted.
Dental Trauma
Accidents, such as a blow to the mouth, can cause trauma to a tooth, damaging the pulp. Even if a tooth doesn’t visibly crack or break, the impact can cause the pulp to become inflamed or infected. This type of trauma can lead to pain or discomfort and might require a root canal to save the tooth. Dentists may also recommend a root canal if the injury causes the tooth to become discolored, often indicating the pulp has been damaged.
Repeated Dental Procedures
Teeth undergoing multiple dental treatments, such as fillings or crowns, can weaken and become susceptible to infection. Over time, repeated procedures or extensive fillings can cause the pulp to deteriorate. If this happens, the pulp may become inflamed or infected, leading to the need for a root canal. Root canals treat these issues by removing the damaged pulp and preventing the infection from spreading.
Abscesses or Pus Formation
When a tooth’s pulp becomes infected, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, causing the formation of an abscess. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth’s root as the body’s immune system tries to fight off the infection. Abscesses can cause swelling, pain, and even fever. If an abscess is present, it often means the infection has spread beyond the pulp, and a root canal may be necessary to clear the infection and save the tooth.
Root Canal Benefits
A root canal is a common dental procedure that helps save an infected or severely damaged tooth. While the term “root canal” may sound intimidating, the procedure is routine and can provide significant benefits, including pain relief, tooth preservation, and improved oral health. If you’ve been advised to have a root canal, understanding its advantages may help ease any concerns.
Pain Relief
One of the most immediate and significant benefits of a root canal is pain relief. When a tooth’s pulp becomes infected, it can cause intense pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the affected tooth. The infection may also cause throbbing pain, making it difficult to sleep or focus on daily activities. By removing the infected pulp, a root canal eliminates the source of the pain. Most patients experience immediate relief after the procedure.
Preservation of the Natural Tooth
A root canal is designed to save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. When a tooth becomes severely decayed or infected, it may be tempting to extract it, especially if it’s causing pain. However, saving the tooth with a root canal offers many benefits over extraction. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain proper chewing function and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the space, which could lead to bite problems or additional dental issues.
Once the infected pulp is removed and the tooth is sealed, the tooth can often be restored with a crown. This makes the tooth strong and functional again, allowing it to last many years. Preserving the tooth also helps maintain your natural smile, as replacing a missing tooth with a bridge or implant is more invasive and costly.
Prevention of Further Infection
An untreated infection in the tooth pulp can spread to the surrounding tissues, including the jawbone and gums. This can lead to more severe problems, such as abscesses, bone loss, and even the loss of nearby teeth. A root canal prevents the infection from worsening by cleaning out the bacteria in the tooth and sealing it. This helps protect the surrounding areas of your mouth from becoming infected and ensures that the tooth remains stable and functional.
Improved Oral Health
A root canal improves oral health by addressing the infection at its source. By removing the damaged pulp, the procedure eliminates harmful bacteria that could spread throughout the mouth. Once the tooth is sealed, it helps prevent further bacterial growth inside the tooth. This, in turn, reduces the risk of developing gum disease, tooth abscesses, and other oral infections. Root canals help restore balance in the mouth and promote long-term oral health.
Improved Appearance and Function
After a root canal, the tooth is often restored with a crown, which protects the tooth and improves its appearance. A crown can match your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size, ensuring that your smile remains aesthetically pleasing. The restored tooth functions like a healthy tooth, allowing you to chew food without pain or discomfort. A fully functional tooth also helps maintain your bite and chewing patterns, essential for eating and speaking properly.
High Success Rate
Root canal procedures have a very high success rate. Most patients experience long-term success with their treated tooth, particularly when properly cared for after the procedure. Studies show that over 95% of root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime with good oral hygiene. Proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can ensure that the tooth stays healthy and functional.
Root Canal FAQs
Root canals are common to treat tooth infections. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
When do you need a root canal?
You may need a root canal if you experience persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the gums, or a darkening of the tooth. These symptoms often indicate infection or damage to the pulp. Your dentist will confirm the need for a root canal through an exam and X-rays.
Is a root canal painful?
Thanks to advanced techniques and local anesthesia, modern root canal procedures are not painful. Most patients describe it as similar to getting a filling. After the procedure, you may experience mild soreness, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does a root canal take?
Depending on the case’s complexity, a root canal typically requires 1 to 2 visits, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes. If the tooth requires a crown, additional time will be needed for its fabrication and placement.
What is the success rate of a root canal?
Root canals have a very high success rate, with more than 95% of treated teeth lasting a lifetime when properly cared for. Following your dentist’s advice and maintaining good oral hygiene can help ensure the long-term success of the procedure.
What happens if I avoid a root canal?
Avoiding a root canal can spread infection, causing more severe pain, abscesses, and even tooth loss. Untreated infections can also affect surrounding teeth and gums and, in rare cases, lead to systemic health problems.
Are root canals better than tooth extractions?
A root canal is often preferred over tooth extraction because it saves your natural tooth. Keeping your tooth helps maintain proper chewing and jaw function and prevents neighboring teeth from shifting. Extraction is only recommended when a tooth cannot be saved.