What You Should Know Before Undergoing Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a common procedure to prevent tooth loss due to infection or injury. Learning what to expect during and after your root canal can help prepare you and relieve any anxiety you may be feeling about getting this procedure in Los Gatos.
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Your dentist will likely recommend a root canal when the pulp deep inside your tooth becomes damaged or infected. This endodontic treatment can prevent your tooth from needing to be removed.
Root canals are among the most common dental procedures. They save millions of teeth while relieving toothaches and restoring people’s smiles. However, many people feel quite nervous about having one done. Learning more about this procedure can help calm your nerves.
Continue reading to learn more about how root canals are performed, what you can expect during and after your procedure, and where to find the best root canal treatment in Los Gatos.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the center of a tooth. This type of infection occurs in the pulp portion of the tooth, where blood vessels and nerves are located. A root canal procedure is usually recommended when tooth decay or tooth injury affects the pulp, leading to severe pain and the potential formation of an abscess.
During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp is removed, and the tooth's interior is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection. Despite its daunting reputation, root canal therapy is a common procedure — an estimated 15 million are performed annually in the United States alone. This endodontic treatment is crucial for saving teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted due to extensive damage or decay that has penetrated the enamel.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
Dental injuries like chipped teeth or tooth decay from a lack of oral hygiene can provide a pathway for bacteria inside a tooth. This bacteria can then lead to an infection deep inside the tooth. Signs that may indicate you need a root canal include:
Persistent toothache or throbbing pain during or after chewing
Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages
Tender or swollen gum tissue
Swollen lymph nodes on one or both sides of your neck
Discoloration of a tooth
Visiting your dentist for regular dental check-ups and professional dental cleanings can help you avoid needing a root canal in most cases; however, some cases — such as those with injury — are unavoidable.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common dental procedure to save teeth severely damaged by decay or infection. Historically, root canals have had a reputation for being painful procedures, causing people to feel anxious at the thought of getting it done. However, modern techniques have made this procedure a more comfortable process. Understanding what happens during a root canal can also help alleviate your anxiety:
1. Initial Examination and X-rays
First, your dentist must determine if endodontic treatment is right for you. This can be done by examining the tooth and taking dental X-rays to assess the extent of the infection. Your dentist can then recommend a treatment plan that may include endodontic treatment alone or combined with other treatment options.
2. Anesthesia and Numbing
Before your root canal procedure, local anesthetics are administered to numb the affected area. This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. In some cases, you can also receive medication to help you relax.
3. The Root Canal Procedure
To begin, a small opening is made in the tooth's crown to access the infected pulp chamber and the root canals that secure your tooth to your jaw. Infected pulp and any decayed tissue and bacteria are carefully removed. Then, the interior part of the tooth is meticulously cleaned and shaped to prepare it for filling.
The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material to seal them and prevent future infection. A common material used is gutta-percha, a purified and coagulated material similar to latex. To finish the procedure, a temporary filling or crown is placed to end the procedure and leave you with a strong tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
A question we commonly get asked is, “Will my root canal be painful?” The perception of pain associated with a root canal often causes anxiety, but advancements in dental techniques and anesthesia have significantly reduced discomfort during this procedure. In fact, many patients report that undergoing a root canal is no more painful than getting a routine filling.
During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area and ensure that you feel little to no pain during the treatment. This local anesthesia can be adjusted during the procedure to ensure you remain comfortable from beginning to end.
After the procedure, it is common to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated area. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen and typically subsides within a few days as the tooth and surrounding tissues heal.
Apicoectomy vs. Root Canal
An apicoectomy and a root canal are both endodontic treatments that address issues within the tooth's root, but they serve different purposes and are performed under different circumstances. A root canal is the more common procedure, typically used to treat a tooth with an infected or inflamed pulp caused by deep decay, cracks in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth. During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the canals, and then fills and seals them to prevent further infection.
An apicoectomy, also known as root-end surgery, is performed when a root canal has failed to resolve the issue or if an infection persists after a root canal. During an apicoectomy, the endodontist makes an incision in the gum line to access the root tip, removes the root tip and surrounding infected tissue, and then seals the root end with a small filling.
While both procedures aim to save the natural tooth and eliminate infection, an apicoectomy is generally considered a secondary measure when conventional root canal therapy is insufficient.
What Should I Do After My Root Canal?
Proper aftercare after a root canal is important for a smooth recovery and the long-term success of the treatment. Here’s what to remember for root canal aftercare:
Manage discomfort immediately after your procedure with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored with a permanent filling or crown, as this helps prevent any damage to the tooth while it is still vulnerable.
Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly, but be gentle around the treated area to avoid irritation.
Avoid hard or sticky foods that could dislodge a temporary filling if one was placed.
Attend your follow-up appointments with the dentist, which are necessary to monitor healing and complete the permanent tooth restoration.
Adhering to these aftercare guidelines and promptly addressing any unusual symptoms with your dentist can help ensure the treated tooth remains healthy and functional for years to come.
Where to Find the Best Endodontist in Los Gatos
Getting a root canal is important for your dental health and overall physical health if you have infection in the root of a tooth. Getting one done can also protect your natural tooth from needing to be extracted. Going to a dental professional who is an expert in endodontic treatment and focuses on patient-centered care can help relieve your anxiety and have a pain-free experience.
At Smiles Los Gatos, our entire team is committed to giving each of our patients a unique and personalized experience — placing your comfort at the forefront of everything we do. We also work closely with medical physicians and specialists in our community to ensure that all of your health and wellness needs are met, including endodontists who perform specialized procedures like root canals. We offer expert diagnosis of all oral health conditions, in addition to open and honest communication and a calm, welcoming environment.
Ready to experience compassionate dental care and modern endodontic treatment from the best comprehensive dentist in Los Gatos?
