When a dentist performs root canal therapy, it is with two goals in mind: to prevent unnecessary tooth extraction and eliminate all infection. During root canal therapy, a dentist repairs badly infected or decayed teeth by removing the pulp from inside the infected tooth and then cleaning and sealing it from further infection.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy has a pervasive but inaccurate and harmful reputation for being painful. The truth is that modern root canal procedures help eliminate the pain of seriously infected and decayed teeth by removing the infected material.
Unfortunately, many patients discover they need a root canal even though they have not experienced any of these symptoms. That reinforces the importance of regular dental appointments.
Even before symptoms emerge, your dentist will watch for and respond quickly to any early signs of decay or infection.
While they are not always present, the following symptoms may indicate a need for root canal therapy: a persistent or recurring pimple on your gums; swollen and tender gums; severe tooth pain, especially while chewing or applying pressure; long-lasting sensitivity to both heat and cold; and a discoloured tooth.
Root Canal Procedure
During a root canal procedure, your dentist will open your tooth, extract the infected pulp from the tooth’s inner chamber, clean the interior of your tooth of any infection material, then seal up your tooth with a substance called gutta-percha.
Successful root canal therapy eliminates the infection and prevents it from spreading elsewhere in your mouth and body. The affected area will be numbed with a local anesthetic to prevent pain during the procedure. We will provide you with detailed instructions to help you on your way to a complete and speedy recovery.
Once your tooth has fully recovered from the procedure, we’ll work together to create and place a permanent crown to protect the tooth and ensure full and natural dental function.
Key Points About Root Canal Therapy
- Root canal therapy causes little to no pain thanks to modern dental technologies and techniques. This treatment aims to eliminate the pain of a badly infected and decayed tooth and restore the tooth's natural function.
- Once the anesthetic that was applied during the root canal procedure wears off, you may notice some soreness. Discomfort should be short-lived and can typically be alleviated with Tylenol or Advil.