Root Canal Basics: What Is a Root Canal & Why Might I Need One?

Nothing seems to create anxiety in the dentist’s chair like the prospect of a root canal. This routine dental procedure has gotten a bad reputation over the years. But today’s technological innovations and improvements to anesthesia make this dreaded procedure comfortable for most patients. Here are the answers to some of Eggert Family Dentistry’s most-asked root canal questions.

What is a root canal dental procedure?

A root canal dental procedure treats inflammation and infection occurring in the pulp of your tooth. The pulp is the soft interior of your tooth, full of blood vessels and nerves. When the pulp becomes infected, you’ll likely experience pain and tenderness around the affected tooth.

A “root canal” is actually part of your tooth’s anatomy. It contains the pulp that extends down the roots of the tooth. A root canal procedure cleans out the infected tissue and reshapes the interior of the root canal so it can be filled and sealed to prevent further infection. In a later appointment, we’ll place a crown or other restoration over your tooth to better protect it long-term.

Why would I need a root canal procedure?

Root canal procedures treat infection and severe tooth decay. Though some patients do not experience pain when the pulp of a tooth is infected, most of us know when it’s time to call the dentist. Infected teeth are often painful, sensitive to heat and cold, and tender when we chew our food. The surrounding gum area can also be swollen or discolored.

Infections to your tooth’s pulp can be caused by advanced tooth decay, trauma to the tooth, or even a small chip or crack in the tooth’s hard exterior. A root canal will treat the infection, leaving the tooth functional.

What can I expect from my root canal procedure visit?

Before your procedure, we will take x-rays of the affected area to understand the severity of the infection. The day of your procedure, we’ll review the x-rays with you and apply a local anesthetic. Most patients find this anesthetic makes the procedure surprisingly comfortable. Then, we’ll isolate the infected tooth with a protective sheet so saliva does not enter the affected area.

Using tiny instruments, we’ll make an opening through the biting surface of your tooth so we can access the infected pulp. We then clean out the infected tissue and reshape the interior of the tooth. Once the interior is clean and shaped, we fill the root canal with a rubber-like material and apply cement to seal the tooth.

You may experience tenderness in the tooth in the days following the procedure, but over-the-counter or prescription painkillers often alleviate the pain. A subsequent visit will allow us to fit a permanent crown or other restoration. This helps keep the tooth sealed and protects the tooth from splitting.  In the meantime, you can brush and floss as usual, just avoid using the treated tooth to chew until we place the crown.

Still have questions about root canal procedures? The American Association of Endodontists has a great video overview for you to check out.

Need to schedule a root canal procedure? You’re in safe, experienced hands with Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff. Schedule your root canal procedure appointment with Eggert Family Dentists today.

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