What is a Root Canal?

Have you ever wondered what is a root canal and why people always talk about it being so painful?

A Root Canal treatment helps prevent reinfection of the tooth, eliminates bacteria from the infected Root Canal, and helps save the natural tooth. The inflamed or infected pulp is removed. Afterward, the tooth is carefully cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed.

While many people are afraid of getting a RCT due to the misguided belief that it’s extremely painful, the truth is that everyone’s experience differs. There’s no denying that it’s a highly invasive procedure, but failure to get this treatment done in time can cause greater pain and may even result in tooth loss.

The pain level you experience after a root canal treatment also depends on your dentist. An experienced one will be able to remove the infected tooth pulp while using proper sedatives to minimize the pain during the procedure and recovery period.

Let’s find out more below.

What is a Root Canal, and When Is It Needed?

A Root Canal is a dental procedure used to treat injured or infected pulp in a tooth. The pulp is the tender, inner part of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes injured or infected, it can cause immense pain. There are many reasons why the pulp may become injured or infected.

1. Deep decay- Deep decay is the most common cause of damage to the pulp. When you don’t clean your teeth properly, plaque and tartar can build up on the tooth’s surface. This can lead to cavities, which can eventually reach the pulp. If the decay is not treated, it can cause the pulp to become infected.
2. Multiple dental procedures- Another common cause behind pulp damage is getting multiple dental procedures done on one tooth. A tooth with numerous fillings, crowns, or other procedures can weaken the tooth’s structure and make it more susceptible to damage.
3. Injury- An injury to the tooth is another cause of pulp damage. If you are hit in the mouth or fall and hit your teeth, it can cause the pulp to become injured.

How is a Root Canal Procedure Performed?

We hope we have successfully answered the question, “What is a root canal?” Let’s now examine the step-by-step process of a root canal procedure and how long does it usually take?

The entire Root Canal procedure mainly occurs in one sitting, or at times requires 2 or 3 sessions, depending on your tooth’s condition. Each sitting can last between 30 – 95 minutes. Here is the outline of the individual steps of a RCT:

1. Your dentist first administers local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
2. After the tooth and surrounding areas become numb, the dentist drills an opening through the tooth’s biting surface or the crown to access the pulp chamber. If it is a front tooth, your dentist will prepare an opening from the side of the tooth.
3. A small, curved instrument called a file is inserted into the opening to clean out the infected pulp and debris from the pulp chamber and Root Canal. The file is used to carefully enlarge the space within the Root Canal to clean it properly.
4. After thoroughly cleaning the Root Canal, a rubber-like material called gutta-percha is used to seal it. The dentist places a temporary filling in the opening of the tooth, and the tooth is then ready for a permanent crown. After that, the crown is cemented properly, so it never dislodges.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Aside from the primary query, “What is a root canal?”, many people also ask: “How much does a root canal hurt?”

A RCT is the most common dental procedure performed today and is also one of the most misunderstood. It is important when the nerve of a tooth becomes infected or damaged. The purpose of the treatment is to remove the damaged parts and save the tooth.

A Root Canal is a standard dental procedure performed under anesthesia. You won’t be in pain during the process and will only feel a bit of soreness or numbness after it’s done. In most cases, any discomfort will only last for a few days. However, if the pain lasts more than a week, you should visit an experienced dentist as soon as possible.

Can You Go to School or Work After Getting an Endodontic treatment?

First, you should know that your mouth will most likely be numb for a few hours after the procedure, as the dentist will numb the area around your tooth before beginning the treatment. However, this doesn’t mean you will be completely unable to function. Many patients can return to school or work directly following a root canal. Just be sure not to eat anything until the numbness completely disappears.

Root Canal is a fairly standard procedure, and there is no need to worry about the aftermath. Just be sure to take it easy and don’t eat until the numbness has worn off. If you have any other queries or concerns, ask your dentist.

Are you seeking the Best Root Canal Treatment in Norwood, MN? Contact Norwood Dental Today!

This article has tried to give you all the information about your original question: “What is a root canal?” If you have any further queries related to this topic, please share them with us in the comments below.

One to two sessions are enough for a successful Root Canal. In severe cases, you may require more cleaning sessions. After the treatment, pain decreases. If you still experience discomfort or swelling, you should visit a qualified Root Canal specialist at Norwood Dental.

For the best Root Canal Treatment in Norwood, MN, contact Norwood Dental today!