Answering Your Top 6 Questions About Root Canal Treatment

The words root canal may appear intimidating for someone hearing them for the first time. But the actual procedure is nothing to be scared of. In fact, root canals are incredibly common, with over b treatments happening in the U.S. every year. To help you learn more, this post answers six questions you might have about root canals. 



1. What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal, or endodontic treatment, treats the inside of a tooth when it's inflamed or infected. The infection or inflammation can have multiple causes, including deep decay, a faulty crown, repeated dental procedures, a chip or crack, or big cavities. 

During root canal therapy, your dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp. They then clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth before filling and sealing it with a rubber-like material. Finally, they restore the tooth with a filling or crown for protection. 

2. Why Is a Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

If you're considering a root canal, chances are you are already facing some common root canal symptoms. These include:

• Severe pain while eating
• High tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pimples on the gums
• Swollen or tender gums

Delaying root canal treatment will only make these symptoms worse. It could lead to larger issues such as increased pain, infections, and bone loss. In severe cases, an ignored root canal infection can spread to other tissues in your mouth, the jaw, the face, and the bloodstream. Hence, the safest thing to do is seek early treatment. 

3. Why Can't You Extract the Tooth?

While tooth extraction is an alternative to a root canal, it's not always the best option. If there is a chance you'll save your natural tooth, why not take it? 

Having a gap between teeth can cause your other teeth to shift out of alignment; thus, affecting your appearance. It can also result in loss of jaw bone in the gap left by the removed tooth. And while you can fill that gap with a bridge or implant, nothing beats your original tooth.

4. Does the Root Canal Procedure Hurt?

You may be hesitant about a root canal procedure for fear of pain. But in reality, this procedure is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. Actually, root canal treatment relieves the intense pain you may be experiencing due to a root infection or inflammation.

Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area during treatment. And if you experience any sensitivity or pain, you can inform them, and they will provide a supplementary local anesthetic. 

5. How Many Dental Visits Will You Make for a Root Canal?

The number of dental visits for a root canal may differ from person to person, depending on their tooth conditions. But in general, most patients only make two appointments. 

In the first appointment, the dentist removes the infected tissue in your tooth. They then treat the tooth with a temporary antibacterial medication, so you don't experience any tooth pain after this appointment. In the second appointment, the dentist cleans and disinfects your tooth before placing the filling or crown. 

6. What Should You Expect After the Procedure?

After the treatment, you may experience some numbness in the area for a few hours — that's normal. The area may also be tender for a few days as the surrounding tissues undergo healing. Try to eat only soft foods during this period to allow complete healing. 

If you are experiencing some pain after the treatment, your dentist will recommend some over-the-counter pain relievers you can use. Within a week, everything should be back to normal, and you can enjoy life without worrying about pulp infections. 

These are some questions you might have about a root canal. Contact our professional dental team at Davis & Beyer Dental Health Professionals today to book an appointment for a root canal treatment.