Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that prevents further issues from a severely infected or decayed tooth. Despite its somewhat intimidating reputation, the root canal procedure is a relatively routine and mostly painless one, thanks to modern anaesthetic techniques.
In this blog, we look at just what a root canal is, when it might be necessary, what the procedure is like and more. So whether you’re wondering if you might need one or if you just want to find out a bit more before your root canal treatment, we have you covered.
Granite Belt Dental offers root canal treatments in Warwick, Stanthorpe, and Inglewood. Contact us today or book an appointment!
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the pulp – the innermost part of the tooth – which is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. This procedure is necessary when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to severe decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma.
Why is a Root Canal Necessary?
The purpose of a root canal is to save a tooth that is severely damaged or infected. Left untreated, an infected pulp can cause severe pain and swelling, and the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and even into the bloodstream, leading to the loss of the tooth and other serious health problems (no thank you!). By removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth, dentists can often save the tooth and prevent the spread of infection.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
Symptoms that might indicate a need for a root canal include severe toothache when chewing or applying pressure, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discolouration (often darkening) of the tooth, swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums, and a persistent or recurring pimple on the gums (not to be confused with gum disease symptoms). However, sometimes no symptoms are apparent, so regular dental check-ups are essential.
Find out the difference between a root canal vs tooth extraction.
The Root Canal Treatment
Let’s look at the root canal treatment itself a little more closely.
Local Anaesthetic
The first step of a root canal treatment involves numbing the area to be treated. A local anaesthetic is injected to numb the tooth and surrounding tissues. This ensures that the procedure is as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
Rubber Dam Placement
Once the tooth is numb, a rubber dam is placed around the tooth. This rubber sheet isolates the tooth being treated from the rest of the mouth, preventing bacteria in the saliva from contaminating the tooth and also protecting the patient from swallowing any dental materials or instruments.
Accessing and Removing the Dental Pulp
The dentist will then drill a small access hole into the crown of the tooth to reach the dental pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It extends from the crown of the tooth down into the roots. The dentist uses small metal files and disinfectant to clean out the infected pulp and shape the canals to receive the filling material.
Disinfection and Filling
After the pulp has been removed and the inside of the tooth has been cleaned and disinfected, the empty root canal is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like material is heated and compressed into the tooth, where it cools and seals the space.
Sealing and Restoring the Tooth
The gutta-percha is then sealed with dental cement to prevent bacteria from re-entering the root canal system. The final step is restoring the crown of the tooth with a filling or a crown, which helps to protect the tooth and restore its function.
Dental X-Rays
Dental X-rays are a critical part of root canal treatment. They are usually taken before the treatment to evaluate the extent of the infection, during the treatment to guide the cleaning and shaping of the canals, and after the treatment to confirm that the canals have been adequately cleaned and filled. These images allow the dentist to see the internal structures of the tooth that are not visible to the naked eye.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
The length of a root canal treatment varies widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the infection or damage, the number of canals in the tooth (molars have more than front teeth), and the complexity of the procedure.
On average, a root canal treatment takes between 90 minutes to 3 hours per session and usually takes 2 to 3 sessions.
During the first visit, the dentist will remove the infected or inflamed pulp, clean and shape the root canals, and possibly fill them with a temporary filling material. If the tooth was infected, the dentist might want to leave it open for a few days to allow it to drain, or they may fill it with medication to reduce the infection.
The second visit is typically for the permanent filling of the root canals with gutta-percha. After the canals are filled, a temporary filling is usually placed in the tooth.
If a third visit is needed, it’s typically for the placement of a crown or other restoration to protect the tooth and restore its function. However, the actual fitting and placement of the crown might require an additional visit to the dentist.
Remember, the primary goal of root canal treatment is to save your tooth, and the time investment is well worth it to maintain your natural tooth structure, function, and appearance.
What is Recovery Like?
After a root canal, your mouth may feel numb for a few hours until the anaesthesia wears off. Your tooth may be sensitive for a few days, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Most patients can return to their regular activities the next day.
How Successful are Root Canals?
Root canal treatment is highly successful; the procedure has a success rate of over 95%. Many teeth fixed with this treatment can last a lifetime with proper care.
Remember, the best way to prevent the need for a root canal is by maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. If you’re looking for a dentist Warwick locals trust, be sure to contact us today. Granite Belt Dental is a leading provider of dental care in the Granite Belt area and our family-friendly team will make sure you get the best results. Don’t hesitate to book an appointment!
