What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is performed on teeth whose pulp (nerves and blood vessels) is infected or damaged. This procedure is also performed when a tooth is broken and cannot be restored with a filling. Root canal treatments can be required when the pulp is irritated by trauma or when a very extensive restoration is required.
The procedure involves removing the affected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and filling them with biocompatible material. The goal is to preserve the tooth and avoid extraction. In certain more complex cases, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist.
Detecting Problems
Before proceeding with the procedure, the dentist must determine certain aspects that will emphasize whether or not the treatment is necessary. More specifically, we will analyze the evolution of the color of the tooth and the gums. It is with the help of x-rays that we will be able to detect problems located at the root of the tooth.
It is necessary to perform this procedure before the tooth becomes infected, causing pain and unpleasant symptoms to the patient. Once the intervention is over, it will be very important to maintain impeccable oral hygiene to avoid any further problems.
Steps of a Root Canal (Endodontics)
1. Comfort
To avoid any pain, root canal treatments are performed under local anesthesia. Usually only one appointment is needed. However your dentist may need a second one depending on your needs.
2. Hygiene
In order to perform the procedure, the dentist will place a dam around your tooth to prevent all possible risks of contamination. This is a crucial step in order to ensure sterile care and treatment.
3. Intervention
After making a small opening in the tooth, the dentist accesses the canal and then the damaged pulp. They proceed to remove the pulp, being careful to clean and widen the canal, always painlessly.
4. Treatment
The dentist will then fill the canal with sealant and close the tooth with a temporary or permanent filling.
4. Restoration
To restore the tooth, the dentist performs a permanent filling or crown, depending on the strength of your tooth. This is the last step before leaving the clinic and relieving the problems your tooth was causing.
The Benefits of a Root Canal
Teeth Preservation
Root canals prevent the loss of the tooth
Painless
This intervention generates very little pain for the patient
Quick Care
Root canals are done in one or two appointments
Need to See a Dentist for a Root Canal or Endodontic Treatment?
Book an appointmentFrequently Asked Questions
A root canal may be needed in the following situations:
- Deep cavity
- Trauma (fracture or crack)
- Defective filling
- Pulp inflammation or necrosis
For standard cases, the treatment can be completed in a single appointment. More complex situations may require two to three appointments. The dentist will evaluate your specific condition and develop a suitable treatment plan.
It’s normal to experience mild to moderate sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. This sensitivity is a natural part of the healing process. If you experience severe pain, swelling, fever, or signs of infection, contact your dentist promptly.
Yes, follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the treated tooth and plan the final restoration, such as a crown or filling.
The main clinical risks associated with root canal treatment include:
Persistent or recurrent infection
If the anatomy of the root canals is very complex, bacteria can survive in microscopic lateral canals and cause an abscess to form again later.
Root fracture
A devitalized tooth becomes drier, more porous, and therefore more fragile. Without a crown to protect it, it is more likely to crack under the pressure of chewing.
Root perforation
An accidental deviation during cleaning can pierce the root wall, complicating healing.
Although these complications are possible, they remain rare when the treatment is performed by an experienced dentist. Thanks to modern techniques and technologies, root canal treatment is now a safe and effective procedure that, in the vast majority of cases, allows the natural tooth to be preserved for many years.
After the procedure, some temporary symptoms are completely normal, while others may indicate a complication.
Normal Temporary Symptoms
- Sensitivity or sharp pain in the treated tooth
- A feeling of stiffness or fatigue in the jaw
- Mild swelling of the gums around the anesthetized area
Symptoms Requiring Medical Attention
- Severe, persistent pain lasting more than 3 days
- Visible swelling of the face or gums
- Recurring fever or a persistent bad taste in the mouth
If you notice any symptoms that seem unusual, contact your dental clinic to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Yes, it is completely normal to experience some pain in the treated area. Even though the nerve inside the tooth has been removed, the tissues and ligaments surrounding the outside of the root remain temporarily inflamed due to the initial infection and the procedure.
Moderate pain in the treated area is normal and may last for a few days after the procedure. This pain may be exacerbated when chewing or when pressure is applied to the affected tooth. If you have been prescribed medication, follow the recommended dosage. This should be enough to reduce the pain and make your recovery more comfortable.
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