What is a Root Canal?

Key Takeaways

• A root canal treats infection by removing damaged pulp, cleaning the canals, and protecting the tooth from extraction.
• It’s typically needed because of deep decay, cracked or chipped teeth, weakening from repeated dental work, or trauma from an injury.
• Warning signs include persistent pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, pain while chewing, swollen or tender gums, and a tooth that darkens over time.
• The process includes an exam with X-rays, numbing the area, accessing the pulp chamber, removing the infected tissue, sealing it with gutta-percha, and later restoring it with a filling or crown.
• Recovery is generally smooth, with mild soreness for the first 2 to 3 days that responds well to over-the-counter pain relief, softer foods, and gentle brushing and flossing.
• The treated teeth have a success rate above 97% with proper care.

What Does a Root Canal Treatment Do?

A tooth is made up of several layers, with the innermost part containing pulp, a soft tissue made of nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach this area because of deep decay or damage, the pulp can become inflamed or infected. This may lead to persistent pain and put the tooth at risk if not treated. At this stage, we often recommend a root canal treatment at Norwood Dental.

But what is a root canal treatment, you may ask? A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, cleans and seals the space, and helps preserve the tooth instead of removing it. Let’s take a closer look at when you may need one.

Also read: How long does a root canal take

When Do Dentists Recommend a Root Canal?

Common reasons why one may need a root canal include:

• Deep tooth decay: Poor oral hygiene can allow plaque buildup, leading to cavities that gradually spread into the deeper layers of the tooth. If decay reaches the pulp, it can cause infection and discomfort.
• Cracked or damaged teeth: A fracture or chip can create an opening for bacteria to enter the tooth. This may irritate the pulp and eventually result in infection requiring root canal treatment.
• Repeated dental procedures: Frequent treatments on the same tooth, including fillings or crowns, may weaken the structure over time and increase the chances of pulp irritation or damage.
• Dental injuries: Trauma from accidents, sports, or falls can harm the pulp inside the tooth. In some cases, damage may occur beneath the surface even when no visible cracks are present.

What Are the Signs You May Need a Root Canal?

The nerves inside an infected tooth can react in different ways. It is advisable to visit your dentist if you notice any of the signs below:

• Persistent tooth pain: Pain that does not go away or keeps returning may indicate that the pulp inside your tooth is irritated or infected.
• Sensitivity: Lingering sensitivity after eating or drinking something hot or cold can be a sign that the nerves inside the tooth are affected.
• Pain when chewing or biting: Discomfort when putting pressure on a tooth may point to inflammation or infection beneath the surface.
• Swollen or tender gums: Swelling, tenderness, or a small bump near the affected tooth can sometimes occur when an infection spreads beyond the tooth.
• Tooth discoloration: A tooth that becomes darker than the surrounding teeth may indicate internal damage to the pulp.

How Does a Root Canal Procedure Work?

The entire root canal procedure mainly occurs in one sitting, though it may require 2 or 3 sessions, depending on your tooth’s condition. Each sitting can last between 30 and 95 minutes. Here is the outline of the individual steps we follow at our clinic in Norwood:

• Examination and diagnosis: Before starting treatment, the dentist examines the affected tooth and may use dental X-rays or other imaging to check the extent of the infection and determine the best approach.
• Numbing the tooth: Local anesthesia is used to keep the area comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients feel pressure during treatment rather than pain.
• Accessing the pulp chamber: Once the tooth and surrounding area are numb, the dentist creates a small opening through the biting surface or crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber. For front teeth, the opening is usually made from the back or side of the tooth.
• Removing the infected pulp: A small, curved instrument called a file is used to remove infected pulp tissue and debris from the pulp chamber and root canals. The dentist carefully cleans and shapes the space to prepare it for sealing.
• Cleaning and sealing the root canal: After the root canal is thoroughly cleaned, a rubber-like material called gutta-percha is placed inside to seal the space and prevent bacteria from entering again.
• Restoring the tooth: A temporary filling may be placed after the cleaning process, and the tooth is later restored with a permanent crown. The crown helps protect the tooth, restore its strength, and allow normal function.

Many patients worry that a root canal procedure will be painful. However, the procedure itself is not usually painful. On the contrary, a root canal is meant to relieve the intense pain caused by severe tooth decay or infection, not add to it.

Also read: Root canal recovery tips

What Does Recovery Look Like After a Root Canal?

Recovery after a root canal is usually short and mild, with most patients back to their normal routine within a few days. Some soreness or tenderness around the treated tooth is normal for the first two to three days, and it typically responds well to over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen. Mild swelling in the gum near the tooth can also show up briefly and settles on its own.

Our expert, Dr. Bussler, recommends following these few habits during this window to help the area heal smoothly:

• Avoid chewing directly on the treated side until any planned crown or filling is placed.
• Stick to softer foods for the first day or two while numbness wears off and sensitivity fades.
• Keep up gentle brushing and flossing around the area rather than skipping it.
• Watch for any pain that worsens instead of improving, or swelling that spreads, and call the dental office if it does.

Once the tooth has healed and been restored with a permanent filling or crown, it can continue functioning for many years. In fact, as per the American Association of Endodontists, root canal procedures have a success rate of more than 97%, and many treated teeth last a lifetime with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

Final Thoughts

A root canal is not something to dread. It is a well-established way to stop pain, clear out infection, and keep a natural tooth doing its job for years to come. Once you understand what a root canal is and why it works, it takes away most of the anxiety that keeps people from booking the appointment in the first place.

If you are looking for reliable root canal treatment in Norwood, MN, for a tooth that has been aching or reacting to hot and cold longer than it should, reach out to us today. At Norwood Dental, we use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the best possible experience for our patients.

You can reach Norwood Dental at (952) 467-3518 or appointments@norwood-dental.com, or in person at 222 E Wilson St, Norwood, MN 55368, to get that tooth checked and treated properly.

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