Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the
natural tooth. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully
cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.
What happens during root canal treatment? Learn more about this quick,
comfortable procedure that can relieve your pain and save your natural
tooth.
There’s no need to be worried if your dentist or endodontist
prescribes a root canal procedure to treat a damaged or
diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are treated and saved this way
each year, relieving pain and making teeth healthy again.
Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer
called dentin, is a soft tissue called pulp. This tissue contains
blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue, which help grow the
root of your tooth during its development. A fully developed
tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues
to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
A modern root canal treatment is nothing like those old sayings! It’s very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one
or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. Getting a root canal is relatively
painless and extremely effective. You’ll be back to smiling, biting and chewing with ease in no time.
Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:
- Efficient Chewing
- Normal biting force and sensation
- Natural appearance
- Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain
All About Root Canals
A root canal (also known as an endodontic treatment) is a serious procedure, but one that specialists handle every day. Before
engaging in any type of dental work, it’s important to know the facts about root canals.
Does a root canal hurt?
Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn’t more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom
tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few
days.
How do you know if you need a root canal?
Root canals are needed for a cracked tooth from injury or genetics, a deep cavity, or issues from a previous filling. Patients generally
need a root canal when they notice their teeth are sensitive, particularly to hot and cold sensations.
There are a few symptoms that mean you might need a root canal—
- Severe pain while chewing or biting
- Pimples on the gums
- A chipped or cracked tooth
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been removed
- Swollen or tender gums
- Deep decay or darkening of the gums
Can I go to school or work after getting a root canal?
Although you will most likely be numb for 2-4 hours following the procedure, most patients are able to return to school or work directly
following a root canal. However, it is advised against eating until the numbness is completely gone.
How much does a root canal cost?
The cost varies depending on how complex the problem is and which tooth is affected. Molars are more difficult to treat; the fee is
usually more. Most dental insurance policies provide some coverage for endodontic treatment.
Generally, endodontic treatment and restoration of the natural tooth are less expensive than the alternative of having the tooth
extracted. An extracted tooth must be replaced with an implant or bridge to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from
shifting. These procedures tend to cost more than endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration.
To learn more about what happens during root canal treatment, visit AAE's Root Canals Explained page that walks you step-by-step
through the procedure.
How does endodontic treatment save the tooth?
It’s necessary to have endodontic or root canal treatment when the inside of your tooth
(the pulp) becomes inflamed or infected as a result of deep decay, repeated dental
procedures, faulty crowns or a crack or chip in the tooth. Trauma to your tooth may also
cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation
or infection is left untreated, in can cause pain or lead to an abscess.
When you undergo a root canal or other endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp
is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and
sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Afterwards, the tooth is restored
with a crown or filling for protection and will continue to function like any other tooth.
Endodontic treatment helps you maintain your natural smile, continue eating the foods you love and limits the need for ongoing dental
work. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime.
VIEW ENDODONTIC TREATMENT INFORMATION IN FRENCH, JAPANESE, PORTUGUESE OR SPANISH.
Recommended Educational Videos on Root Canal Treatment
ROOT CANAL TREATMENT STEP BY STEP
Need a root canal? Don't be anxious. This informative video will walk you step-by-step through the procedure and explain how
endodontists, the root canal specialists, can save your teeth.
ROOT CANAL SAFETY
Concerned about the safety of root canal treatment? Watch this informative video to learn how endodontists perform millions of root
canal treatments every year, safely, effectively and comfortably.