The root canal procedure is designed to get rid of the part of the tooth with microbes that have destroyed it. It can help save the tooth that is partially damaged or decayed from becoming fully destroyed. The treatment can also help in preventing re-infection, if followed up with properly. Under this procedure, the infected pulp is extracted, and the inner portion of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed. In a nutshell, a root canal is a dental procedure to clean the decay in a tooth.

The enamel layer is the tooth's outer layer. The dentin and a tender inner core that extends into the root in the jawbone are the subsequent layers. The inner core of the teeth has the dental pulp with nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

When the decay finds its way into the soft core, it could infect the pulp leaving it inflamed or dead. Through a root canal procedure, the decay is cleaned from the tooth.

What Is Done During a Root Canal Procedure?

During a root canal, the dentist or the endodontist will:

●     Remove bacteria and decay from the tooth’s pulp, root, and nerves.

●     Disinfect the area with antibiotics

●     Fill bare roots.

●     Seal the treated area to prevent further tooth decay.

The procedure can leave the tooth fragile. Thus, the tooth that has undergone the process is covered with a crown. The treatment can help save the treated tooth from further decay, while being strong enough to handle everyday chewing/biting tasks.

7 Reasons You Might Need a Root Canal

According to numbers shared by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), more than 15 million root canals are performed annually in the United States alone. Above 41,000 root canals are served daily, as per the AAE. Dentists could recommend the procedure for patients who are experiencing:

1.  Persistent Tooth Pain

Persistent tooth pain can indicate that the patient needs a root canal. The tooth pain can be on and off, and it could disappear for a brief period before returning. Pain can be felt in the bone of the tooth, face, jaw, and other teeth. The cause of tooth pain can vary. However, those experiencing tooth pain for a prolonged periods should visit a dentist.

2.  Tooth Sensitivity Towards Heat and Cold

Tooth sensitivity can be experienced when consuming warm and cold liquids and food. While some can experience a dull ache, others could experience sharp pain. If the pain from tooth sensitivity persists for a long duration, the dentist can recommend a root canal procedure.

If the tooth hurts when consuming hot or cold food and beverages, it could indicate that the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth are either damaged or infected or both.

3.  Discoloration of Tooth

An infection in the pulp can leave the tooth discolored. A breakdown of the internal tissue can damage the roots. As a result of this, the tooth can sport a grayish-black appearance. Tooth pulps can die without enough blood supply. If a decay is the cause of this, then dentists may recommend a root canal. However, discoloration may occur due to various other reasons too. Therefore, it is advised to visit a dentist when discoloration is noticed.

4.  Swollen Gums

The portion of the gums surrounding the painful tooth could indicate that the tooth requires a root canal. Swelling can be caused by the acidic waste products of dead pulp tissues.

5.  Pain in the Tooth While Eating

While consuming food, if the tooth is sensitive, it could indicate that the tooth has damaged nerves, decay, or both. The ligament surrounding the root tip of an infected tooth could be hypersensitive due to the pulp dying. The waste generated from the dying pulp could cause friction in the ligament, resulting in pain from biting pressure. The condition can make the dentist recommend you undergo a root canal.

6.  Chipped or Cracked Tooth

A tooth can get chipped or cracked in an accident. Bacteria could set in the injured tooth that can cause inflammation or infection. Furthermore, the injured tooth can have damaged nerves despite not being chipped or cracked. Since it may cause inflammation or infection, and a root canal may be recommended.

7.  Loose Tooth

Death of nerves can infect the tooth, and it may feel looser. Acidic waste substances from nerve death could soften the bone around the dying tooth’s root, causing it to move. The dentist could recommend a root canal if this is the case.

It is advised to visit a dentist when a person is experiencing any of these.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

In 2021, 72 patients who underwent the root canal procedure were studied. The study analyzed pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment pain. According to the analysis, the pre-treatment pain was high, which slumped after a day of treatment. Within a week, the pain reportedly dropped to minimum levels. So, it is safe to say that although root canals are slightly painful, they help you get better right after and are definitely less painful than retaining a progressing decaying tooth.

A Root Canal Can Be Prevented

A root canal can be prevented when a dental hygiene routine that prevents tooth problems and cavities is followed. Furthermore, it is advised to keep teeth healthy for overall well-being.

If you wish to know more about dental hygiene practices, visit our website to obtain more information, or contact us today to chat with one of their experts!