What's a root canal, and how do you know if you need one? Here's everything you need to know about the signs and symptoms that mean you may need a root canal.

What's a root canal? If you've heard someone mention the term like it's a curse word, you were probably too afraid to ask. Well, don't worry because we have the answers.

The following guide explains what this procedure is, recent advances, and more. From root canal pain to root canal symptoms, this guide tells all.

Best of all, you'll learn how this procedure will put an end to the unbearable tooth pain you may be feeling. By getting an accurate idea of what a root canal is, you can ease your concerns about it.

Don't let negative stigma keep you from getting the dental care you need. Learn the truth about root canals right here.

What's a Root Canal?

A root canal is part of the anatomy of a tooth. It actually is a canal in the center of the tooth that contains the tooth's nerve endings, blood supply, and other soft tissue. Basically, this soft tissue is what keeps the tooth alive.

When Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

A patient requires endodontic (root canal) treatment when the root canal of a tooth becomes infected. In fact, this treatment is the only way the tooth can be saved.

You see, once an infection has spread the root canal, soft tissue within the tooth cannot be saved. It will die and rot away.

And, when the soft tissue is dead, the tooth can't survive, either. It, too, will rot (very painfully) until it is treated or eventually becomes brittle enough to fall out on its own.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is actually very similar to other tooth repair treatments. The dentist drills into the tooth to remove any infected tissue, the same as they would when filling a cavity.

The difference is that cavities are filled to prevent infection from spreading to the soft tissue of the tooth in the first place. The dentist has to drill much deeper when the infection has already reached the soft tissue.

The dentist drills through the tooth into the infected soft tissue. They continue drilling until all the infected tissue is completely removed and only clean tissue remains.

Next, the removed areas are filled back in with a sterile material. Often, much of the tooth's shape is removed during this process. So, the missing parts of the tooth are reconstructed based on a mold of the original tooth created earlier.

A crown might be added around the tooth to help preserve it.

Advances in Root Canal Treatment

Most of the negative stigma surrounding endodontic treatment comes from outdated rumors. And most of these rumors come from hundreds of years ago—a time when root canal treatment was one of the worst pains a human could endure.

Today, many modern advancements have made endodontics more effective and far less painful. Here are a few examples.

Anesthesia/Sedation

The technology of anesthetics has greatly improved over the years and is still improving today. Modern endodontics involve very minor pain compared to the archaic treatments of yore.

Sedation may also be an option. In this case, the procedure is completely painless. Only postoperative pain/discomfort will need to be addressed.

We'll explain more about root canal pain further down the list.

Nickel-Titanium Files

In earlier days of endodontics, dentists used files of stainless steel to remove the infection. These were more brittle and less flexible than the nickel-titanium files used today. These sturdier files clear out the infection more effectively with less breakage.

X-Rays

X-rays are another ever-improving technology. For example, previous X-ray devices produced more radiation than the ones we use today. And the pictures they took required time to develop.

Today's digital X-ray devices are much safer and they develop images instantly. Thus, dentists can now take multiple X-rays throughout the procedure.

Other Advances

Scientists are constantly discovering new breakthroughs and fine-tuning the tools and procedures used in dentistry. In other words, the standard tools they use have gotten more effective and easier to control. Even the materials used for filling teeth are stronger, more sterile, and more natural-looking than they've ever been.

New, alternative endodontic treatment methods have emerged, too. One example is the use of a laser combined with a high-pressure stream of water to clean out the infection without drilling.

Root Canal Pain: Does a Root Canal Hurt?

As we said, horror stories of root canal pain are generally a misconception or exaggeration. Local anesthetic should entirely numb the area for the duration of the procedure. You shouldn't feel any pain at all.

Recovery will most likely involve some pain or discomfort for a few days after the operation. Your dentist may prescribe you some painkillers, but it probably won't be necessary.

Alternatively, leaving the tooth to rot is extremely painful for a long time. And it can spread the infection to the other teeth around it.

Your other option is tooth extraction, which uses the same anesthesia/sedation methods as endodontic treatment. But the recovery period after extraction is usually more painful and longer-lasting than that of a root canal.

Root Canal Symptoms to Watch For

Here are some common signs that could indicate the need for endodontic treatment.

Severe tooth pain, especially when biting/chewing
Sensitivity to hot, cold, or other stimuli that continues even after the stimuli is removed
A crack or chip in your tooth
Abscesses
Bumps that look like pimples on your gums
Severely inflamed/sensitive gums
Visible decay/darkening of teeth or gums
Loose adult teeth

Truthfully, it really doesn't matter whether or not these symptoms require root canal treatment. The important thing is that you get to a dentist right away to treat these symptoms before they get worse.

Do You Need a Root Canal?

What's a root canal going to do for your excruciating tooth pain? It won't do anything if you don't see your dentist about it.

You don't have to live with constant tooth pain. Remember, root canal pain is far more bearable than the pain of a rotten tooth that goes untreated.

If you're experiencing the root canal symptoms above, please, let us help. Contact Mount Laurel Dental & Implant Center and make an appointment today.

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