Anatomy of a dental model concept of a dentist cross section for education. The dentist holds a mock tooth in section in the office

What Is a Root Canal? When Is It Necessary and What to Expect

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is a dental treatment in which a periodontist removes infected material from the tooth’s roots.

The procedure is relatively standard. According to the American Association of Endodontists, dental professionals perform about 15 million root canal treatments annually in the United States.

A root canal is a tooth-saving procedure. In other words, a periodontist may recommend root canal therapy to save a tooth when no other treatment would work. The procedure spares the tooth’s outer shell so that it feels and functions normally. A root canal also relieves a dental infection’s pain, inflammation, and complications.

When is a Root Canal Necessary?

A root canal is necessary for a bacterial infection inside your tooth.

A tough layer of enamel covers and protects the outside layer of your teeth. Deep in the center of each tooth lies the pulp chamber. This chamber extends into the tooth roots through thin canals known as root canals. The pulp chamber and root canals contain dental pulp, a soft, gel-like tissue containing blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue, and special cells that nourish and keep the tooth alive.

Bacteria in the mouth can invade the tooth through a cavity, chip or crack in the enamel, or trauma. Once inside, the bacteria can travel to the dental pulp. The resulting infection can cause inflammation; infection near the nerves can cause pain. The bacterial infection can also lead to hot and cold sensitivity, swelling, and bad breath (halitosis).

The infection can reach the root canal and cause a deep infection in the tooth’s root. This infection can spread to the jaw, face, and the rest of the body. During root canal therapy, your periodontist will remove the infected material from the tooth to stop the infection from spreading or causing further damage to your tooth.

What Should I Expect During a Root Canal?

Before beginning your root canal treatment, your periodontist will take X-rays to create an image of the inside of your tooth. They may perform other tests to determine if the tooth is infected, inflamed, or dead.

Your periodontist will numb the tooth and nearby gum tissue just before the procedure starts. If you feel stressed or experience dental anxiety (yes, it is real!), your periodontist may give you medication to help you relax. Known as sleep dentistry, this medication can tire you, but you can still ask and answer questions while experiencing its effects.

Next, they will place a dental dam, a thin, flexible piece of rubber that fits over the treatment area to keep your tooth dry during the procedure.

Your periodontist will then drill a tiny hole in your tooth’s crown, which is the visible white part of your tooth. This hole allows them access to the infected tissue.

They will then use tiny instruments to remove the infected tissue, blood vessels, and nerves from the pulp chamber. Your periodontist will disinfect the pulp chamber and root canals before filling the tooth to seal the space.

If you have received medications to tire you, you will need someone to drive you home. Most people who undergo a root canal may return to work or school immediately after a root canal if they have not undergone sleep dentistry.

The treatment area will likely be numb for 2 to 4 hours following your root canal therapy. To avoid accidentally biting down on the numbed area, avoid eating until the numbness disappears.

Because the local anesthetic numbs the treatment area, root canal treatment is no more painful than any other dental procedure, such as having a tooth filled or a wisdom tooth removed. Once the numbing medication has worn off, you may experience minor discomfort lasting a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually effective at reducing this pain.

For more information about root canals, consult with your periodontist in Jacksonville. We can provide the treatment you need for a healthy smile. Contact Twin Rivers Periodontics to learn more about root canals in Jacksonville.