What is a root canal?
Inside every tooth is soft tissue (the pulp) with nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay or a crack lets infection in, the pulp becomes painful or dies. In a root canal, the dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canals, and seals them. The tooth stays in your mouth and keeps working.
Signs you may need one
Lingering pain with hot or cold, pain when biting, a tooth that has darkened, or a swelling or “pimple” on the gum near a tooth. Sometimes there are no symptoms and it shows on an X-ray. An examination comes first: not every toothache needs a root canal.
What happens
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Depending on the tooth and any infection, treatment can be done in one sitting or spread over two or more. Afterwards the tooth usually needs a filling or a crown to protect it.
After the treatment
Some tenderness for a few days is normal. Avoid chewing hard food on the tooth until it is fully restored. Call the clinic if pain gets worse, or you notice swelling.
Questions to ask Dr Jain
- Can this tooth be saved?
- Can it be done in one sitting?
- Will I need a crown afterwards?
- What does the estimate include?
Your dentist can explain the benefits, risks and alternatives for your tooth. Source: NHS: root canal treatment.