You may need a root canal if you have a cracked tooth, infected tooth, or severe tooth pain. While you may fear the pain of a root canal, the procedure is no more painful than having a filling placed. Dr. Leonard Hess, your local dentist in Monroe, NC, offers expert-level care and comfortable dental treatments for patients of all ages in Union County and beyond. Dr. Hess provides Root Canal therapy as a general dentistry service in his office.
What is a root canal?
The term ‘root canal’ refers to the natural cavity at the tooth’s center. The tooth’s nerve is inside the root canal, surrounded by soft tissue called the pulp. If the tooth is damaged or decayed, bacteria and debris can enter the root canal and cause an infection. More generally, ‘root canal’ refers to removing infected tissue and restoring the tooth to healthy function.
Root Canal Symptoms
While you may not experience any root canal symptoms, many people often experience the following symptoms, which can indicate the need for a root canal procedure:
- Toothache, which may worsen when pressure is applied
- Persistent tooth sensitivity
- Tooth discoloration
- Sore gums surrounding the tooth
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is usually needed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed. Several things can cause this, such as:
- Deep Cavities: When a cavity gets too deep, it can reach the pulp and cause an infection.
- Cracked or Broken Tooth: A crack or break in a tooth can let bacteria into the pulp, leading to infection.
- Repeated Dental Procedures: Many dental procedures on the same tooth can irritate the pulp and cause inflammation or infection.
- Injury to the Tooth: Even if there is no visible crack or break, an injury can damage the pulp inside the tooth.
If the infection or inflammation is not treated, it can cause severe pain, an abscess (a pocket of pus), and even bone loss around the root tip. In these cases, a root canal is the best way to relieve pain and save the tooth.
About the Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure aims to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. Dr. Hess will first numb the area to prevent discomfort. Once numb, he will remove all infected tissue from the inside of the tooth. He will then fill the tooth with a special material to prevent further infection. In some cases, you’ll need an antibiotic to cure the infection.
Once the infection is clear and the root canal is debris-free, Dr. Hess will fill the tooth with a biocompatible rubber compound called gutta-percha. Finally, your dentist will cover the tooth with a dental filling or a porcelain crown. This will add both strength and long-term protection against future damage.
Recovery After a Root Canal
Most people feel mild discomfort or soreness for a few days after a root canal. However, you can usually manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions on caring for your tooth after the procedure. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a crown or filling. Also, practice good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing regularly, to keep the treated tooth healthy.
Benefits of Getting a Root Canal
Getting a root canal has several important benefits:
- Saves Your Natural Tooth: A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of extracting it. Keeping your natural teeth helps you chew properly, speak clearly, and maintain the shape of your face.
- Prevents the Spread of Infection: A root canal prevents infection from spreading to other teeth or parts of the body by removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth.
- Relieves Pain: A root canal eliminates the source of pain, making it easier to eat, drink, and perform daily activities.
- Cost-Effective: While root canals are more expensive than a simple filling, they are less costly in the long run than replacing a lost tooth with an implant or bridge.
Common Myths About Root Canals
Many people have fears or misunderstandings about root canals. Here are a few common myths:
- Myth 1: Root Canals Are Painful: With modern techniques and anesthetics, most people find that a root canal is no more painful than getting a filling.
- Myth 2: It’s Better to Pull the Tooth: Pulling a tooth might seem easier, but it can lead to problems like shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and needing costly replacements.
- Myth 3: Root Canals Cause Illness: No scientific evidence links root canals to other health problems. A root canal helps eliminate infection and improve overall health.
Root Canal Procedure FAQs
Root canals often get an unearned bad reputation. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Does a root canal hurt?
The root canal procedure is no different from placing a dental filling. You may experience mild discomfort or soreness. Dr. Hess will use a local anesthetic to ease pain during the procedure and can prescribe medication to help with any pain after root canal therapy.
What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?
A tooth extraction is an alternative to root canal treatment. Once the pulp is destroyed, it can not regenerate, and we don’t recommend leaving an infected tooth in the mouth. Whenever possible, Dr. Hess recommends preserving as many natural teeth as possible for the best health of the smile.
How much does a root canal cost?
Dr. Hess will discuss root canal costs before beginning treatment. The cost of the procedure depends on your specific circumstances, considering the extent of damage and what is needed to restore the tooth—a dental crown or just a dental filling. As a courtesy, we will submit the procedure to your dental insurance for reimbursement.
When can I eat after getting a root canal?
Before eating, wait for the local anesthetic to wear off. You won’t be able to feel parts of your mouth, and you don’t want to accidentally bite down on your tongue or something else. For the first couple of days, stick to soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. Avoid chewing on the side you had your root canal on as much as possible.
Do I need to take off work for a root canal?
We recommend taking off the entire day of the procedure. You’ll have a local anesthetic and possibly sedation that you’re under the influence of. Take the day off so that these can wear off and you can rest. However, you should be able to return to work or school the next day.
Do I need a root canal?
Root canals are necessary for teeth with infected pulp in their center. If you have a deep cavity or a cracked tooth, bacteria can get into the center of your tooth and cause an infection. Warning signs include a toothache, swelling, tenderness around a certain tooth, sensitivity to hot and cold, and more pain when touching the tooth. You may also notice tooth discoloration.