What Is a Root Canal? 

To best understand a root canal procedure, it helps to first understand the anatomy of the tooth. 

Every tooth consists of six main parts: the crown, gum line, root, enamel, dentin, and pulp. The crown is the part of the tooth we see, whereas the root anchors the tooth to your gums. The dentin and enamel make up the outside, visible layers of your tooth. 

The pulp of your tooth is the heartbeat of the tooth, what keeps it alive. It consists of the nerve tissues and blood vessels deep in the root of your tooth. 

When a tooth cracks or breaks, the protective outside layer can no longer protect the tooth from bacteria that can seep in. Infection can set in the root of the tooth, causing pressure and pain. Ultimately, left alone, the infection can spread and cause significant damage to the body and, in severe cases, death.

A root canal treatment is a procedure where a dentist removes the infected pulp from the roots of the tooth. They remove the infected tissue before it can spread and cause further damage. 

While a root canal procedure may sound scary, modern dental technology has made them a routine and fairly painless procedure. Those who have had a root canal often comment how they felt so much better once the procedure had finished, especially since most are in severe pain because of the infection before the procedure. 

Why You Need a Root Canal

When treating damaged teeth, dentists will give you a few different options. Sometimes the cracked or broken tooth has not yet allowed any bacteria in, and the dentist can just repair the tooth. 

If you develop tooth infection symptoms, though, you will need a root canal. While trauma to a tooth can cause the need for a root canal, tooth decay is the most common culprit. 

Thus, you can avoid tooth infections and the need for a root canal by simply flossing and brushing your teeth two times every day. Regular visits to a dentist for preventative and general care also help prevent bigger problems. 

Good Root Canal Candidate

So how do you know if you need a root canal? If you damage your tooth, even with a hairline crack, bacteria can penetrate the tooth and infect its nerve. All damaged teeth need some kind of treatment to ensure you save them. 

If you're experiencing the following symptoms, you may need a root canal: 

• Swollen gums
• Tender gums
• Lingering sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Lingering sensitivity to hot temperatures
• Severe pain while biting or chewing

Even basic cracks in a tooth can lead to an infection. Seek a dentist quickly if you have a combination of these symptoms before an infection sets in. 

Root Canal Step by Step

A root canal procedure requires a bit of patience, and that's it. While you may hear nightmares of root canals in the past, modern technology and pain management techniques allow a dentist to conduct a root canal smoothly. Plus, you feel much better when the procedure has finished. 

Here are the basic steps to expect when you have a root canal. 

Anesthetic First

If you're having a root canal procedure done, you are most likely experiencing some severe pain. Your dentist will give you an anesthetic to both alleviate your pain and allow you to relax and feel no pain while they perform the procedure. 

The anesthetic is usually a shot that numbs the area where the dentist will work. 

The dentist will then place a dental dam over your tooth. The dam keeps the tooth intact as they work on the tooth. The dentist then removes the infected pulp and nerve in your tooth's root. 

Because the dentist is removing the nerve, you will not feel any pain from the tooth once the dentist has completed the procedure and the anesthetic has worn off. It has no more nerve to send pain signals. 

Cleaning and Shaping

Next, the dentist uses special dental instruments to clean the pulp. They remove the infection and then shape the inside of the tooth, preparing it for a filling. At this point, the dentist may also use a medication in the pulp to kill any lingering bacteria. 

Filling

Finally, the dentist will place dental material into the canal. This material protects the tooth from damage. They seal the tooth using dental adhesive cement. 

The dentist will then either fill the tooth or place a dental crown over the tooth. The crown will help retain the integrity of the tooth and allow you to use it confidently. 

What To Expect After a Root Canal

When the anesthesia wears off, you will notice an immediate difference. You may feel some discomfort from the procedure. You will not, however, experience the severe pain you had before the root canal procedure. 

If the same kind of pain persists for one to two weeks after the procedure, contact your dentist in Riverdale, IL immediately. In rare cases, a root canal fails. Sometimes the dentist misses parts of the root or the root has stretched horizontally in places the dentist could not reach. 

Seek a Dentist in Riverdale, IL

When you have a severe tooth infection and find yourself unable to sleep, work, or generally function, a root canal will offer you immediate relief. The procedure sounds intense. In truth, a root canal procedure is now a routine procedure in most dentist offices.

Plus, they alleviate pain almost immediately.

Do you need a dentist in Riverdale, IL? Are you experiencing the pressure and pain that comes from a tooth infection? If so, contact us. 

Our experienced staff stands ready, waiting to help you find the relief you need. In no time we will have you back on the path to excellent oral health.