When bacteria accumulate in the root canal of a tooth, an infection develops. A dentist must remove this bacteria to prevent reinfection and save the tooth. During root canal treatment, the dentist removes any inflamed or infected pulp present in the canal before carefully cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s interior. They then fill and seal the canal to ensure the infection doesn’t return. So what does a patient need to know when their dentist recommends a root canal?

How to Know if a Root Canal is Needed

How can a person tell when they need a root canal? People with an infected tooth often experience severe pain when they chew or bite. However, this serves as only one sign they may need a root canal. Bumps on the gum suggest the tooth is infected, and many people discover they are sensitive to hot or cold. The sensitivity remains even when they remove the offending food or drink.

A visit to the dentist is required when swollen or tender gums alert someone to a problem in their mouth. The same is true when the gum darkens, and the patient is unsure why it has done so. When a tooth is cracked or chipped, it becomes more susceptible to infection. Call the dentist to schedule an appointment to prevent further damage. However, many people don’t know they need a root canal until they visit the dentist and discover they have a decayed tooth. Depending on the extent of the decay, a root canal might be necessary.

The Root Canal Procedure

The root canal treatment begins with an X-ray. Once the dentist reviews the films, they numb the mouth and place a dental dam over the affected tooth. Placement of the dental dam isolates the tooth while ensuring it remains clean and saliva-free throughout the procedure. The dentist then makes a hole in the tooth crown. Next, using tiny instruments, they clean any bacteria from the pulp chamber and root canals while shaping the space to accept a filling.

Once the space is clean and shaped, the dentist fills the root canals with gutta-percha or another biocompatible material. Dentists use adhesive cement to place the biocompatible material, ensuring the root canals are completely sealed. Next, the dentist fills the tooth with a temporary filling to close the hole. When the crown or other restoration is ready, the dentist removes the temporary material and restores the tooth to its full function.

Recovering From a Root Canal

Patients frequently ask about the root canal recovery time. The tooth often feels sensitive following a root canal, and this sensation lingers for a few days. This problem becomes more apparent if the tooth was infected at the time of the procedure. Most people find over-the-counter medications are sufficient to address any pain they experience. However, if the pain remains bothersome, call the dentist for a stronger medication. Most patients find they can resume normal activities the morning after the procedure is complete.

Try to avoid chewing on the tooth until the dentist places the permanent filling. Doing so helps to prevent re-contamination of the affected tooth. Furthermore, until the dentist places the permanent filling, the tooth remains more at risk of breaking. Nevertheless, it’s important to continue brushing and flossing normally to ensure the tooth and the area around it stay clean.

If you are experiencing any mouth pain, contact your dentist for help. Early action can help to reduce the need for a root canal. However, if one becomes necessary, patients should schedule the appointment immediately. Doing so reduces the pain they experience while minimizing damage to the tooth.