A root canal is often seen as a dental procedure, which many people fear, but it is an essential treatment for maintaining oral health. But what is a root canal exactly?
Don’t worry—this article will explain root canal therapy and common symptoms that indicate you might need it. We’ll also talk about what to expect during the process so that you can keep your teeth healthy.
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is an endodontic therapy that helps save an infected or damaged tooth. This treatment works by removing the infected part inside the tooth, called dental pulp. The dental pulp is soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and other important parts.
Instead of removing the infected tooth, the root canal removes the infection, stops pain, and seals the tooth so that future infections cannot happen.
Signs You Need A Root Canal
If you have any of these signs, you may need a root canal to protect your tooth and stop things from getting worse:
- Infected pulp or tooth
- Tooth becomes loose
- Severe pain when chewing or touching the affected tooth
- Sensitive tooth to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Tooth looks darker
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to visit your dentist right away. The sooner you go, the better your chance of saving your tooth and preventing more dental problems.
How Does Root Canal Procedure Work?
Root canal treatment involves several steps. We’ll explain each step here so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Root Canal Treatment Visit
Your dentist will examine your tooth and take an X-ray to determine the severity of the infection. They will then discuss what they find and explain why you might need a root canal.
Step 2: Keeping The Tooth Dry
A tiny rubber sheet, called a rubber dam, is placed around your tooth. This keeps it dry and clean while the dentist works on it.
Step 3: Opening The Tooth
The dentist will make a small opening in the top of your tooth. This will allow them to get to the inside of the tooth, called the pulp chamber, and the root canals.
Step 4: Cleaning The Canals
The dentist will gently take out the infected or damaged tooth pulp inside your tooth. They will then clean the root canals to get rid of bacteria and prepare the space for filling.
Step 5: Filling The Canals
Once the canals are clean, the dentist fills them with gutta-percha, which seals the space and helps prevent bacteria from coming back into the tooth.
Step 6: Sealing The Tooth
The dentist will put a temporary filling over the opening. This keeps your tooth safe until you can get a permanent crown.
Step 7: Restoring The Tooth
The dentist will add a crown made with CEREC technology to strengthen your tooth and protect it from damage. The crown should fit perfectly and help your tooth look and work normally.
Can A Root Canal Fail?
A root canal usually works very well, but sometimes it can fail. This can happen if the root canal infection isn’t fully removed or the treated tooth has a tricky root canal system that’s hard to clean completely.
Another reason could be repeated dental procedures or cracks in the tooth that let bacteria get back inside.
In other cases, the filling material might not seal the tooth properly, allowing bacteria to return and causing further problems.
Other issues, like damage to the crown or not following your dentist’s care instructions, might also lead to complications.
If a root canal fails, your dentist might suggest endodontic retreatment, which involves treating the root canal again to fix the problem. Sometimes, other dental procedures might be needed to save the tooth.
Preventing The Need For A Root Canal
You can avoid needing this endodontic treatment by taking care of your teeth every day. Start by cleaning your teeth twice a day with a soft brush and flossing regularly. This helps remove food and plaque, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
It’s also important to visit your dentist for check-ups. Your dentist can find small problems early, like tiny cavities, and fix them before they become bigger issues that might need a root canal.
What you eat matters, too! Try to cut down sugary foods and drinks, as too much sugar intake can cause tooth decay and infections. Wearing a mouthguard can protect against damage if you grind your teeth while you sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a root canal painful?
A root canal is not very painful. Your dentist will use numbing medicine to ensure you don’t feel much pain during the treatment.
How long does a root canal usually take?
A root canal usually takes one to two hours. The time depends on the complexity of the treatment and the number of canals in the tooth.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost of a root canal can change based on different things, like where the tooth is in your mouth and how complex the treatment is. Ask your dentist for an exact cost.
Is a dental implant a better option than a root canal?
A dental implant might be an option if your tooth can’t be saved. But if your tooth can be treated with a root canal, that’s usually the better choice. Keeping your natural tooth helps protect your jawbone and dental health.
Conclusion
If you need a root canal or have questions about your dental health, we’re available in Campbelltown. Contact Available Dental Care at (02) 4601 3828 to book an appointment. Let’s work together to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright!
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources:
Colgate. Do I Need a Root Canal? A Step By Step Guide to Ease Your Worries [Internet]. Colgate®. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 23]. Available from: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/root-canals/do-i-need-a-root-canal#
Veronika. Old Root Canal Infection Symptoms [Internet]. NewMouth. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 23]. Available from: https://www.newmouth.com/blog/root-canal-infection-symptoms/
Kapner M. Root Canal [Internet]. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 23]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007275.htm
Watson S. Root Canal Surgery: Overview [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 23]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-root-canal-1059192
