Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect

Do you have a persistent pain in your tooth that won't go away? Are your teeth sensitive to hot and cold beverages and food items, and every time you eat or drink something, it sends a tingling (not in a good way) sensation down your spine? Or have your teeth discolored significantly, or are broken, or are your gums swollen?

If any of these hold for you, it might be a good time to visit the dentist. In most cases, these are the symptoms of bad oral hygiene and would lead to a root canal treatment. It is nothing to panic about, because root canal treatments have become more and more common over time, owing partially to unkempt oral hygiene and to external factors like trauma or infection. According to a study, nearly fifteen million people in America undergo root canal procedures every year. It is nothing to worry about if it is timely addressed — as the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine. Ignoring it could lead to repercussions one might have to face, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

There are risks after the root canal procedure that need to be watched for: if not done correctly, it could lead to infection developing in partially cleaned canals, or in extra canals a tooth might have that can be conducive to bacterial growth. Keeping these things in mind, it becomes necessary to find the right root canal dentist. But let's begin with the basics.

What Is a Root Canal? Anatomically speaking, teeth are not as hard as they appear to be. A tooth consists of layers. The outer portion, which is hard, is known as the enamel. The layer beneath it is made up of spongy and porous tissue known as dentin. At the center of the tooth is a collection of soft tissue known as the pulp.

The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels, known as the root or legs of the tooth. A tooth's nerve has no primary role in its functioning — it performs a sensory function, sensing whether what's being eaten is hot or cold. It contains cells called odontoblasts that are responsible for keeping the tooth healthy.

The root canals travel from the tip of the tooth to the pulp. Any injury, trauma, or infection directly affects this region, causing a variety of sensations and discomfort. As the pulp is damaged and breaks down, bacteria present are able to multiply. The dying remnants of the pulp can also act as a source of infection, which can spread if left untreated — causing swelling of the face and neck, loss of bone around the tip of the root, and more. A root canal is required to prevent this.

Symptoms of Needing a Root Canal: discomfort ranging from mild to extreme when eating or drinking, tooth discoloration, a broken tooth, swollen gums, and a foul smell to the breath are all symptoms of needing a root canal treatment. A pus discharge is sometimes visible as well.

Steps in a Root Canal Procedure: root canal procedures require a prior visit to the dentist, who assesses the situation and the extent of damage, which helps determine how the procedure will go. The dentist might also take an X-ray of the area to verify whether infection has spread to other parts.

As scary as the name might seem, the procedure itself is relatively simple — the dentist clears out infected pulp from the affected tooth and fills in the canal. Patients usually get a crown after the procedure. Here are the steps followed for a root canal treatment:

Step 1, Preparation of the Area: the affected area of the mouth is made numb with an injection containing a numbing agent. It might not always be strictly necessary if the nerve is already dead, but many dentists do it anyway to put the patient at ease. A rubber dam is also placed in the mouth to isolate the area and keep it dry from saliva.

Step 2, Accessing the Area and Cleaning It: a hole is drilled in the tooth to access the root canal and pulp chamber. Using root canal files — a series of increasing diameters worked to the full length of the tooth — the dentist removes the remnants and scrubs the sides of the canal. An antibacterial or antiseptic solution, sometimes water or sodium hypochlorite, is then used to clean and disinfect the area, eliminating bacteria and treating the infection.

Step 3, Shaping the Canals: once cleaning is complete, the dentist reshapes the canal using tiny instruments to prepare it for the filling material. The canals are cleaned once more afterward to avoid leaving debris that could cause problems later. Sometimes the dentist seals the tooth at a later appointment — in those cases, a temporary filling keeps contaminants out in the meantime.

Step 4, Filling the Canals: the dentist decides whether to fill the hole immediately or at a later visit, using a sealer paste and gutta-percha — a latex-based polymer chosen for being biologically inert, resilient, and electrically non-conductive.

Step 5, Sealing the Access Hole: the tooth is sealed with a material such as amalgam or composite to prevent further bacterial attack. If the tooth isn't strong enough to support restoration on its own, the dentist may place a post in the canal to strengthen it — usually needed for severely damaged teeth.

Step 6, Precautionary Measures: once the procedure is complete, the dentist might prescribe medication or antibiotics to kill any remaining bacteria. Some discomfort for a few days afterward is normal, and your dentist will provide post-treatment instructions.

Step 7, Adding the Crown: besides a post, a dentist may use a crown for protection and to fully restore the tooth, adding strength and stability and helping regain its chewing ability. A permanent crown is custom-made to match your existing teeth.

FAQ: What are some measures to prevent root canal infection after the procedure? Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. Follow the guidelines set by your dentist regarding post-treatment care. Reach out to your root canal dentist if you notice signs of infection. In the initial stages, use a gentle mouthwash, and you can shift to your preferred one later on. Don't forget to get your crown replacement from the dentist after the root canal procedure.

It is necessary to get your teeth looked at if you have the slightest discomfort, like pain or infection. Find the best root canal dentist for you. Here at Healthy Smiles of Georgia, we've got you covered — book your appointment today!