Of all the procedures in dentistry, none is more feared or more misunderstood than the root canal. The mere mention of the term can conjure up outdated images of a painful and lengthy ordeal. The truth, however, is that this reputation is a relic of a bygone era in dentistry. Thanks to modern anesthetics, advanced techniques, and sophisticated technology, a root canal is now a routine, comfortable, and often completely painless procedure. More importantly, it is crucial to understand that a root canal is not the cause of pain; it is the cure for it. A root canal is a remarkable treatment designed to relieve the severe pain of an infected tooth and, most importantly, to save your natural tooth from needing to be extracted.
What is a Root Canal and Why is it Necessary?
To understand why a root canal is needed, you must first understand the anatomy of a tooth. The hard, outer layers of your tooth (the enamel and dentin) protect a soft inner core of tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains the tooth’s nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue, and it extends from the crown of the tooth down to the tip of the roots.
A root canal becomes necessary when this inner pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to:
- A deep cavity that has allowed bacteria to reach the pulp chamber.
- A crack or a chip in the tooth that provides a pathway for bacteria to enter.
- Repeated, extensive dental procedures on the same tooth.
- A trauma or an injury to the tooth that has damaged the nerve.
When the pulp becomes infected, the bacteria can multiply, and the pressure can build up inside the tooth, often causing a severe, throbbing, and persistent toothache. The infection can also lead to an abscess (a pocket of pus) forming at the tip of the tooth’s root. This infection and inflammation is the source of the intense pain that many people incorrectly associate with the root canal procedure itself.
The Root Canal Procedure: Relieving the Pain and Saving Your Tooth
The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infected and damaged pulp from inside the tooth, to thoroughly clean and disinfect the internal canals, and then to fill and seal the space to prevent re-infection. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthetic, so your tooth and the surrounding area will be completely numb, and you will not feel any pain during the treatment. The process is often very similar in feel to getting a standard filling.
- Accessing the Pulp: The dentist makes a small opening in the top surface of the tooth to access the inner pulp chamber.
- Cleaning the Canals: The infected or inflamed pulp is carefully and completely removed from the pulp chamber and from the tiny root canals that run down the roots of the tooth. The dentist then uses a series of very fine, specialized instruments to clean, shape, and disinfect these canals.
- Filling and Sealing: Once the canals are clean, they are filled with a biocompatible, rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The opening in the tooth is then sealed with a temporary or permanent filling.
As the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), the specialists in this procedure, explain, a root canal is a straightforward treatment that has a very high success rate and can save your natural tooth for a lifetime.
After the Root Canal: Protecting Your Tooth
After the root canal, the infection is gone, and the source of your pain has been eliminated. The tooth is no longer “alive,” which can make it more brittle and prone to fracture over time. To protect the tooth from the heavy forces of chewing, your dentist will almost always recommend placing a permanent dental crown on top of the treated tooth. This final restoration protects the tooth and restores it to its full function and appearance.
Your Temecula and Riverside Root Canal Experts
The most important thing to remember is that a root canal doesn’t cause pain; it relieves it. It is a highly successful and comfortable procedure that can save your natural tooth. For patients in the Temecula and Riverside, CA areas who are experiencing tooth pain, the team at Dr. Parul Mehta and Associates provides gentle and effective root canals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
