What Is a Root Canal? Understanding the Procedure and Its Benefits
If you’ve been told you need a root canal, you might feel a little nervous. Root canals have an unfair reputation for being painful, but with modern dentistry, the procedure is often no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. In fact, a root canal can relieve pain, save your natural tooth, and restore your oral health.
Why Would You Need a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth is a soft tissue called the pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, often due to deep decay, cracks, chips, or repeated dental procedures, it can cause:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- Darkening of the tooth
The infection can spread if left untreated, leading to abscesses and potential tooth loss. A root canal is designed to eliminate the infection and preserve the natural tooth structure.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal is a straightforward, step-by-step procedure performed by a dentist or endodontist:
- Numbing the Area – Local anesthesia ensures you’re comfortable and pain-free.
- Accessing the Pulp – A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the infected pulp.
- Cleaning and Shaping – The dentist removes the diseased pulp, cleans, disinfects, and shapes the canal.
- Filling the Canal – The empty space is sealed with a rubber-like material to prevent reinfection.
- Restoring the Tooth – The dentist places a crown on the tooth to protect it and restore function.
Benefits of a Root Canal
- Pain Relief: The procedure eliminates the painful infection.
- Tooth Preservation: It saves your natural tooth. The alternative to a root canal is extraction.
- Restored Function: After treatment and restoration, you can chew normally.
- Long-Term Oral Health: Properly treated and restored teeth can last a lifetime.
Root Canal Myths vs. Reality
Myth: Root canals are extremely painful.
Reality: With modern anesthesia and techniques, root canals are typically no more painful than getting a filling.
Myth: Pulling a tooth is better than getting a root canal.
Reality: Nothing replaces your natural tooth. Extractions may lead to shifting teeth, bite problems, or the need for more complex (and costly) dental work later. Extraction is often a last resort.
A root canal may sound intimidating, but it’s actually a tooth-saving procedure that can help you keep your smile healthy and strong. If you’re experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, don’t wait; early treatment is the best way to avoid complications. Contact Monticello Family Dental to schedule.