What is a Root Canal and How is it Treated?

By Kate Ranta on May 26, 2023 @ 03:34 PM

Is your tooth throbbing? Is it sensitive to hot and/or cold foods and drinks? Is this the same tooth your dentist or dental hygienist has been monitoring? If so, you may need a root canal.

When some people think of a root canal or even the word “dentist,” they may become overwhelmed with panic or anxiety. “Root canal” is a powerful combination of words that suggests a scary, invasive procedure. To help alleviate any concerns about the idea of a root canal, we will discuss the symptoms and treatments for a tooth that needs this procedure.

If a tooth continues to zing in pain as time progresses, you should seek the opinion of a dental professional to find the source of the pain.

What causes tooth and mouth pain?

Tooth pain is usually attributed to the nerve. Cavities themselves do not always cause a person pain. That is, unless the tooth decay reaches the part of the tooth where the nerves reside. Some common problems leading to tooth or mouth pain include the following:

Mouth sores: These can be caused by several issues, including a highly acidic diet, irritation from braces or other orthodontic devices, tobacco use, Celiac disease, and HPV (human papillomavirus). People undergoing cancer treatment may also develop mouth sores.
Abscessed teeth: This is when the gum and root of a tooth develop an infection. It is commonly caused by the decaying of the tooth and other mouth trauma. An abscessed tooth can also result from pre-existing gum disease, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth, or gingivitis.

If the tooth’s nerve is the source of the pain, it often signals that the nerve is inflamed or dying. If the nerve is not the problem, it could be reacting to tooth decay reaching and impacting the tooth’s dental pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that hosts blood vessels and the tooth’s nerves.

Trauma could be from tooth decay, outside forces impacting the face, or recurring treatment to any tooth, including fillings. Whenever there is trauma to the dental pulp, you are directly at risk of bacteria-related illnesses.

Who should I see, and when should I be treated?

Endodontists are known as specialists in performing root canals and saving teeth. It is highly recommended that you seek professional care whenever you start noticing the following symptoms:

Unbearable pain from chewing and mouth pressure
Irritating sensations from hot or cold temperatures
Change in a singular tooth’s color, especially if it starts to look darker.
Never-ending or recurring blistering to the gums, usually near the impacted tooth

What happens during and after the root canal?

A root canal involves scraping out the inner part of the tooth. Then, it is repacked with enamel-like material, and the edges are sealed to help prevent future tooth decay.

A common fear about root canals is that you will lose the tooth. While waiting too long can result in tooth loss, advances in endodontics are making it possible to save teeth. The nerves inside the tooth will be removed. However, the tooth will be able to function as usual. When endodontic treatment is not practical, surgery may be able to save the tooth.

It is common for people to get anxious about root canals, which involve the endodontist scraping the dental pulp area. Your dentist will make you as comfortable as possible with the proper techniques and equipment.

If you want to learn more about root canals and how they differ from tooth extraction, check out this article.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional services. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.