Root Canal Therapy
[VIDEO: Root Canal Therapy - Main]
Root canal therapy is a valuable dental procedure that relieves pain and saves teeth that would otherwise need extraction. Despite their reputation, modern root canal treatments are comfortable procedures that effectively eliminate infection, end pain, and preserve your natural tooth for years to come.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment
A root canal becomes necessary when the soft tissue inside your tooth (the pulp) becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to:
- Deep decay that reaches the pulp
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- Cracks or chips in the tooth
- Trauma to the tooth, even without visible damage
- Severe gum disease in advanced cases
Without treatment, the infection can cause intense pain, abscess formation, and eventually lead to tooth loss. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp, cleans the interior canals, and seals the space to prevent reinfection—allowing you to keep your natural tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Common symptoms that might indicate the need for root canal therapy include:
- Severe toothache, particularly when chewing or applying pressure
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums
- A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
- Deep decay or an obvious injury visible on the tooth
Sometimes, however, there are no symptoms, and the need for a root canal is detected during a routine dental examination—highlighting the importance of regular checkups.
Our Modern Root Canal Process
We use advanced techniques and technology to make root canal treatments as comfortable and efficient as possible:
- Diagnosis and planning: We begin with a thorough examination, typically including digital X-rays to assess the shape of your root canals and determine the extent of infection.
- Preparation: The area is completely numbed with local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. We may also offer sedation options for anxious patients.
- Isolation: A dental dam—a small protective sheet—is placed to keep the tooth clean and dry during treatment.
- Access creation: A small opening is created in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Pulp removal: The infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed using specialized instruments.
- Canal cleaning and shaping: The canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for filling.
- Canal filling: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which is sealed in place with adhesive cement.
- Temporary or permanent restoration: Depending on your situation, we'll either place a temporary filling or proceed with a permanent restoration like a crown.
Most root canal procedures can be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the complexity of the case and the extent of infection.
After Your Root Canal
It's normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after a root canal procedure. This can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. We recommend:
- Avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until all tenderness disappears
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing
- Taking any prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed if an infection was present
- Scheduling any recommended follow-up appointments
Most patients can return to their normal activities the day after their procedure.
The Final Restoration
After root canal therapy, your tooth will need a permanent restoration to protect it and restore full function. In most cases, we recommend a crown because:
- Root canal-treated teeth become more brittle over time
- A crown provides complete coverage and protection
- It prevents fracture during normal chewing forces
- It restores the tooth to its natural appearance and function
With our same-day crown technology, we can often provide this final restoration immediately after completing the root canal or at a single follow-up appointment.
Success Rates and Long-Term Outlook
Root canal therapy has a high success rate, with many treated teeth lasting a lifetime with proper care. Studies show success rates between 85-97%, depending on various factors including:
- The extent of the original infection
- The anatomy of the tooth roots
- How quickly treatment was sought after symptoms appeared
- The quality of the final restoration
- Ongoing oral hygiene and dental care
Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor your treated tooth and ensure it remains healthy.
Myths vs. Reality
Despite persistent myths, modern root canal therapy is:
- Not significantly painful — Today's techniques and anesthetics make the procedure comparable to receiving a filling
- Not a cause of illness — Claims linking root canals to disease have been thoroughly debunked by scientific research
- Not a temporary solution — With proper care, root canal treated teeth can last a lifetime
- Not necessarily time-consuming — Many procedures can be completed in a single visit
The most common feedback we receive from patients after root canal therapy is surprise at how comfortable the process was—and relief from the pain they were experiencing before treatment.
If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Our gentle approach and advanced techniques can help save your tooth while ensuring your comfort throughout the process.
