Everything you need to know about Root Canal: Procedure, Care and Recovery

These are the 5 most common doubts that our patients have when we talk about endodontics.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a dental treatment used to prepare and save a tooth that is severely damaged or infected inside. The inner part of the tooth, known as the pulp, contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause pain and tooth sensitivity, causing discomfort to the patient.

Performing a root canal involves removing the infected pulp, as well as cleaning and disinfecting the root canals of the tooth. The gap is then sealed with a special filling material. After the intervention, a crown is placed on the tooth to protect it and also restore its functionality and aesthetics. In short, endodontics is a dental treatment that can save a damaged tooth and thus avoid the need to extract it.

Why is a root canal performed?

There may be several reasons why your dentist may prescribe a root canal. Among the most frequent we find:

1. Advanced cavities: when a cavity is not treated in time and ends up reaching the pulp, it can generate a considerable infection. Therefore, performing a root canals are usually the best option to preserve the tooth.

2. Dental trauma: dental blows can cause inflammation or infection in the pulp of the teeth, so it may be necessary to perform interventions such as these.

3. Periodontal disease: If, due to bone loss due to periodontal disease, the dental pulp has been affected or damaged, root canals may be necessary.

4. Dental anomalies: In some cases, the tooth may be affected by some type of malformation that generates problems in the dental pulp and must be solved.

A root canal allows you to end the infection inside a damaged tooth, as well as the infections that it can generate and the pain that the patient feels as a consequence. The main objective of this treatment is to heal the affected tooth and avoid its extraction, since it is possible to preserve it.

Symptoms that you need a root canal, what are they?

Some of the symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include persistent tooth pain, extreme sensitivity to both cold and heat, swelling in the gums, pain when chewing, change in tooth color, and presence of gum abscesses.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to determine if you need root canals and thus be able to solve the problem.

How is a root canal done? What does it consist of?

The process of a root canal begins with an initial evaluation of the affected tooth, where the dentist performs an x-ray to evaluate the damage to the dental pulp and determine if a root canal is necessary.

If this is the case, the dentist will anesthetize the area and make a small hole in the tooth to access the dental pulp. The damaged or infected pulp is then removed and the root canals of the tooth is cleaned to remove any remaining tissue or bacteria. The space is then filled with the appropriate filling material and the canal is sealed with a temporary filling.

At a second appointment, a permanent dental crown is placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its functionality and aesthetics. After root canals, it is normal to experience some pain and tenderness for 8 to 10 days following treatment, although this can be relieved with pain relievers. In general, recovery can take a couple of weeks. However, if the discomfort persists, it is important that you go to your dentist to perform a check-up and make sure of the situation that exists.