Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

We often get the same question When we tell patients they may need a root canal. “Why do I need a root canal?” They are frequently upset, having heard that a root canal is painful or often leads to complications. The reality is far different. In fact, a root canal alleviates tooth pain and saves a natural tooth so that it doesn’t have to be extracted. Despite the myths surrounding them, the root canal procedure is straightforward and highly effective in preserving natural teeth.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Tooth and Why Root Canals Are Needed

To understand why you might need a root canal, you need to understand the anatomy of your teeth. The outer layer is a hard, protective coating of enamel. Beneath this is dentin, a softer layer that covers the pulp. The pulp is the living material inside the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. The root canals are the channels in the roots of the teeth that allow the pulp to connect to blood vessels and nerves in the jawbone.

Bacteria reaching the pulp through deep cavities, cracks, or fractures can lead to infection and inflammation. This results in severe pain, sensitivity, and swelling. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding tissues and bone, potentially causing tooth loss.

Root canals are necessary when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed beyond repair. Rather than extracting the tooth, a root canal allows us to remove the infected pulp while repairing and preserving the outer structure.

Signs and Symptoms That Indicate You May Need a Root Canal

• Severe, intense tooth pain, especially when biting or applying pressure.
• Heightened sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, lasting long after the stimulus is removed.
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the affected tooth.
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth, indicating internal damage.
• Temporary relief from pain with over-the-counter medications that always return.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to contact our office to schedule an appointment. A root canal can relieve tooth pain almost immediately and save your tooth.

Overview of the Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. X-ray Examination: We take X-rays and digital imaging to assess the damage’s extent and determine the root canals’ shape.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area, ensuring a pain-free experience.
3. Access Opening: We create a small access opening in the tooth’s crown to reach the pulp chamber.
4. Pulp Removal: The infected or inflamed pulp is carefully removed from the root canals using specialized dental instruments.
5. Cleaning and Shaping: The root canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped to remove any remaining debris and bacteria.
6. Filling: Once cleaned, the root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent future infection.
7. Restoration: Finally, a temporary or permanent filling is placed in the access opening to restore the tooth’s structure and function. We may also place a crown over the tooth to seal the area.

Managing Pain and Discomfort During and After the Procedure

While root canals have a reputation for being painful, advancements in dental techniques and anesthesia have made the procedure relatively comfortable. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort during the procedure, but it should not be painful.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort or mild pain as the anesthesia wears off. This is usually easily controlled with over-the-counter medication. Applying ice packs to the outside of your face can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Post-Treatment Care and Follow-Up Appointments

After your root canal is complete, we will give you detailed instructions for at-home care and schedule a follow-up appointment. General guidelines to keep in mind while recovering include:

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until the permanent restoration or crown is in place.
• Practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing.
• Keep all follow-up appointments so we can monitor how your tooth is healing.

Root canals are one of the most valuable tools we have for saving a tooth with severe damage that has reached the pulp of the tooth. Without a root canal, we cannot alleviate your tooth pain unless we extract the tooth. Unfortunately, tooth extraction often leads to other oral health issues. Any time you have severe tooth pain, call our office at Shawnee Dentist Office Phone Number 913-631-4373 as soon as possible so we can alleviate your pain and save your tooth with a root canal.