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A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to remove inflamed or infected pulp on the inside of the tooth which is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. What happens during ...
- Root Canal Explained
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp,...
- Reasons for Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft...
- Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal...
- Saving Your Natural Tooth
With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal...
- Pain Management
Always keep in mind that beginning your root canal procedure...
- Root Canal vs Extraction
Root canal, or endodontic therapy, is a procedure that...
- Endodontic Retreatment
With proper care, you’ll keep teeth that have had root canal...
- Dental Insurance
American Association of Endodontists (AAE) 180 N. Stetson...
- Root Canal Explained
Mar 20, 2023 · A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. A tooth's nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed, and infected due to deep decay; repeated ...
- Overview
- When is a root canal needed?
- How is a root canal performed?
- Follow-up after your root canal
- Risks of a root canal
- What happens after a root canal?
Most people who have a root canal don’t experience major problems afterward. But your longterm outlook depends on how you take care of your teeth. Your restored tooth requires regular brushing and flossing.
A root canal is a dental procedure involving the removal of the soft center of the tooth, the pulp. The pulp is made up of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that help the tooth grow.
In the majority of cases, a general dentist or endodontist will perform a root canal while you’re under local anesthesia.
Learn more about this common procedure, as well as the potential risks involved.
A root canal is performed when the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, is injured or becomes inflamed or infected.
The crown of the tooth — the part you can see above your gums — can remain intact even if the pulp is dead. Removing injured or infected pulp is the best way to preserve the structure of the tooth.
Common causes of damage to the pulp include:
•deep decay due to an untreated cavity
•multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
•a chip or crack in the tooth
Step 1: Anesthetic
The dentist will place a small amount of numbing medication on your gum near the affected tooth. Once it has taken effect, a local anesthetic will be injected into your gums. You may feel a sharp pinch or a burning sensation, but this will pass quickly. You’ll remain awake during the procedure, but the anesthetic will keep you from feeling any pain.
Step 2: Removing the pulp
When your tooth is numb, the endodontist or general dentist will make a small opening in the top of the tooth. Once the infected or damaged pulp is exposed, the specialist will carefully remove it using special tools called files. They’ll be particularly careful to clean out all the pathways (canals) in your tooth.
Step 3: Antibiotics
Once the pulp has been removed, the dentist may coat the area with a topical antibiotic to ensure that the infection is gone and to prevent reinfection. Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, the dentist will fill and seal the tooth with a sealer paste and rubber-like material called gutta-percha. They also may prescribe you oral antibiotics.
Your tooth and gums might feel sore when the numbing medication wears off. Your gums may also swell. Most dentists will have you treat these symptoms with over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Call your dentist if the pain becomes extreme or lasts for more than a few days.
You should be able to resume your normal routine the day after the procedure. Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth until it’s permanently filled or a crown is placed over the top.
You’ll see your regular dentist within a few days of the root canal. They’ll take X-rays to make sure that any infection is gone. They’ll also replace the temporary filling with a permanent filling.
If you prefer, the dentist may place a permanent crown on the tooth. Crowns are artificial teeth that can be made from porcelain or gold. The benefit of a crown is its realistic appearance.
A root canal is performed in an effort to save your tooth. Sometimes, however, the damage is too deep or the enamel is too frail to withstand the procedure. These factors can lead to loss of the tooth.
Another risk is developing an abscess at the root of the tooth if some of the infected material remains behind or if the antibiotics aren’t effective.
A root canal is considered a restorative procedure. Most people who undergo the procedure are able to enjoy the positive results for the rest of their lives. Still, how long results last depends on the way you take care of your teeth.
Just as the rest of your teeth depend on good oral hygiene habits, your restored tooth requires regular brushing and flossing as well.
- Debra Stang
Nov 20, 2023 · A root canal (endodontic therapy) is a dental treatment for infections in tooth pulp, the innermost layer of your teeth. Endodontists and dentists do about 15 million root canals in the United States every year. Often, you can avoid needing a root canal by taking care of your teeth. Advertisement. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic ...
Dec 22, 2023 · In dental terminology, a root canal is generally considered a non-surgical procedure. Unlike traditional surgical interventions that involve incisions and open procedures, a root canal is performed within the confines of the tooth. During a root canal, the endodontist: Accesses the pulp chamber and root canals through a small opening in the tooth.
The endodontist removes the inflamed or infected pulp, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canal, then fills and seals the space. Afterward, you will return to your dentist, who will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. After restoration, the tooth continues to function like ...
People also ask
What is a root canal treatment?
Do all roots have a root canal?
When is a root canal performed?
Should a tooth be treated with a root canal?
When do I need a root canal or endodontic treatment?
Do I need a root canal?
Some roots have more than one root canal, but all have at least one canal. Root canal treatment (RCT) and endodontic treatment are the more correct terms for a procedure that treats the nerve of the tooth. Endodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals specifically with the tooth pulp and tissues surrounding the root of the tooth.
