Overview

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats the infected or inflamed pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth’s root canal. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp is infected or inflamed, it can cause pain, sensitivity, and swelling in the tooth and surrounding gums.

Causes of Root Canal Infection

There are several causes of root canal infection, including:

• Deep decay: Bacteria from deep decay can invade the pulp and cause infection.
• Trauma: A cracked or chipped tooth can expose the pulp to bacteria.
• Repeated dental procedures: Repeated dental procedures, such as fillings or crowns, can damage the pulp.
• Gum disease: Advanced gum disease can spread to the pulp and cause infection.

Symptoms of Root Canal Infection

The most common symptom of a root canal infection is a toothache that worsens with hot or cold temperatures. Other symptoms may include:

• Sensitivity to pressure or touch
• Swelling in the gums around the tooth
• Pus draining from the tooth
• A dark discoloration of the tooth

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment can relieve pain and prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding bone. It can also help to prevent the spread of infection to other teeth.

Process

A root canal is typically performed under local anesthesia. During the procedure, the dentist will:

• Remove the infected pulp from the tooth’s root canal.
• Clean and shape the root canal.
• Fill the root canal with a material called gutta-percha.
• Place a crown or other restoration on the tooth to protect it.

Dentist performing a Root Canal Treatment

The entire root canal treatment usually takes one or two visits to the dentist. In some cases, a third visit may be needed to place the crown or other restoration.

Who Should Get Root Canal Treatment?

If you have any of the symptoms of a root canal infection, you should see a dentist immediately. Untreated root canal infections can lead to serious complications, such as tooth loss, abscesses, and bone infections.

Aftercare

After root canal treatment, your tooth may be sensitive for a few days. Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help with the discomfort. You should also avoid biting on hard objects and brushing your teeth gently.

Most people can expect to have a successful root canal treatment. The success rate of root canal treatment is over 95%. However, there is a small risk that the infection may return and the tooth may need to be retreated or extracted.