Blogs

Root Canal Treatment

1. What is root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to remove inflamed or infected pulp on the inside of the tooth which is then carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed. Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth.

2. What happens during root canal treatment?

This quick, comfortable procedure eliminates pain and saves the natural tooth. Millions of teeth are treated this way each year, making teeth healthy again and relieving pain.

3. Are filling and root canal treatment the same?

No, they are different. In general fillings, the decay is removed up to the enamel or dentine. However, in a root canal, the decay has reached the pulp, so the entire pulp is removed and replaced with artificial material before filling the tooth.

4. How does root canal treatment improve overall oral health?

Root canal treatment plays a significant role in enhancing oral health by removing harmful bacteria from infected tooth pulp. This procedure not only alleviates pain and prevents further infection but also protects the surrounding teeth and gums. By saving the natural tooth, it maintains the alignment of neighboring teeth and preserves jawbone density, which helps in keeping a stable and healthy dental structure. Root canal treatment allows patients to avoid issues that may arise from missing teeth, contributing to long-term oral health and function.

5. Is a root canal painful?

Since patients are given anesthesia, a root canal isn't more painful than a regular dental procedure, such as a filling or getting a wisdom tooth removed. However, a root canal is generally a bit sore or numb after the procedure, and can even cause mild discomfort for a few days.

6. How do you know if you need a root canal?

Root canals are needed if you have severe pain while chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold, pimples on the gums, cracked or chipped teeth, swollen gums, deep decay, or darkening of the gums.

7. How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

Most patients recover quickly and can return to school or work the same day. However, it’s best to avoid eating until the numbness fully wears off (typically 2-4 hours post-procedure).