Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a procedure to save a tooth that has become unhealthy, damaged, or badly decayed. During this procedure, the infected pulp or tissue filling the tooth’s chamber is cleaned out to prevent further damage to the tooth.

Why is a Root Canal Carried Out?

The root canal is the narrow passage where the nerve is situated. When this area becomes infected, it can be painful and cause serious health problems if it is not addressed. In most cases, the unhealthy area will, over time, become abscessed because of infection. This may lead to excruciating pain that forces the patient to seek treatment.

Can a Root Canal Treat Any Tooth?

Surprisingly, the answer is no. In some situations, an infected or painful tooth that needs treatment may have a calcified nerve or pulp. This happens when soft tissues within the root canals harden over time. Completing the necessary treatment may not be possible in such a case, and tooth extraction becomes the only option.

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

The root canal treatment is no more uncomfortable than undergoing a traditional filling. A root canal can help to relieve the intense pain caused by an infected tooth. The area around the infected tooth is usually numbed during this dental procedure to maximize your comfort.

How Safe Is the Root Canal Process?

Root canal therapy is effective and safe, primarily when performed by a trained and seasoned endodontist. Root canal therapy has been carried out for decades, and advancements in technology, techniques, pain management, and disinfectants mean that this treatment is now more successful and predictable. Root canals are intended to preserve natural teeth and prevent reinfection, negating the need for a tooth extraction.

Is a Root Canal Better Than an Extraction?

An infected tooth can cause complications, so immediate treatment is necessary. Root canal therapy is an alternative to extracting the infected tooth. Although you can replace your extracted tooth with dental implants and bridges, there is nothing that can truly replace your natural teeth. With root canal therapy, you can keep your original tooth without needing an extraction. In addition, root canal therapy is cheaper than the cost of a tooth extraction followed by a bridge or dental implant to replace the lost tooth.

Does the Root Canal Treatment Weaken the Tooth?

Removing the tooth pulp or inner section will preserve your tooth’s overall structure. However, it can be reinforced with dental restorations such as a dental crown or an onlay. Your dentist will recommend the best treatment to restore your tooth’s strength, appearance, and function after the root canal therapy is complete.

What Should I Expect After My Root Canal Therapy?

When the numbing wears off, you will not experience the same severe pain you felt before the root canal therapy. The inner nerves and infected tissues have been removed, giving you relief. For most people, the treated area may feel tender for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. You should eat soft foods and use over-the-counter pain medication during recovery.

Don’t Wait to Seek Root Canal Therapy 

If you are concerned about your infected or damaged teeth, you should not hesitate to make an appointment with your dentist. Putting off dental treatment can cause more extensive damage to your oral health. However, when performed early enough, root canal therapy is an effective method to stop infection and preserve your natural teeth.