Dental procedures like extractions and fillings often create anxiety in patients, and root canals are no exception. Once you learn how simple a root canal is, your fears may all but disappear. 

Whether you have a deep cavity, a cracked or damaged tooth, or a severe tooth infection, your smile can be saved with a routine root canal. 

A root canal isn’t as scary as it sounds. It is a straightforward dental procedure that treats a severely decayed or infected tooth.

What Is A Root Canal? 

While this dental procedure is often called a “root canal,” it is endodontic therapy, meaning “inside the tooth,” and is the hollow section of a tooth that houses the nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells known as pulp. 

Each tooth is composed of a crown, which is above the gum. The roots are located below the gum and anchor the tooth to the jawbone. The pulp is found within the crown and roots and is responsible for sensing temperature changes, translating hot or cold into pain. 

No matter what the cause, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to your dentist if you have any kind of tooth pain, especially if it’s persistent. 

5 Signs You May Need A Root Canal 

A root canal isn’t as scary as it sounds. It is a straightforward dental procedure that treats a severely decayed or infected tooth, removing the inflamed or infected pulp from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the internal chamber, and then filling and sealing it. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below, you might be a candidate for treatment. 

1. Tooth pain that won’t budge. Persistent tooth pain is a common sign. This deep pain can affect your tooth, face, jaw, or other teeth. Whether constant or intermittent, it’s time to visit your dentist.
2. Extreme tooth sensitivity. If you experience a sharp pain in your teeth after enjoying a hot cup of coffee or an icy-cold glass of water, it may indicate that the blood vessels and nerves in your tooth are infected or damaged. 
3. Tooth discoloration. Infections in your tooth’s pulp can discolor teeth, turning them grayish-black due to trauma or tissue breakdown. If you notice any teeth changing color, contact your dentist.
4. Swollen gums. If a specific tooth is painful or tender, your gums may be swollen and you might have a gum boil. The boil can ooze pus if untreated, causing a bad taste and foul breath.
5. A chipped or cracked tooth. You can crack or chip a tooth instantly, allowing bacteria to cause severe inflammation and infection. Even without visible damage, visit your dentist promptly, as the trauma might harm the tooth’s nerves.

No matter what the cause, it’s a good idea to pay a visit to your dentist if you have any kind of tooth pain, especially if it’s persistent. 

The thought of a root canal is more intimidating than the actual procedure. 

What to Expect During A Root Canal 

The thought of a root canal is more intimidating than the actual procedure. With today’s technology, it’s not much different than having a deep filling. Your dentist will take X-rays of the affected tooth to determine if your tooth pulp is dead, infected, or inflamed, confirming if you need the treatment. 

Here is a step-by-step guide for what you can expect during your appointment. 

• Step 1: Your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your tooth and gums, ensuring you are comfortable during the procedure. For severe dental anxiety, they may provide calming medications, and for ultimate relaxation, consider sedation dentistry. 
• Step 2: A flexible piece of rubber (dental dam) is placed over your infected tooth and gum to keep it dry during treatment.
• Step 3: Don’t be alarmed by the noise! Your dentist will drill a small hole in your tooth’s crown to access the pulp.
• Step 4: They’ll carefully clean out the inside of the tooth, including the nerves and tissues. No worries—you won’t feel a thing!
• Step 5: After clearing out the pulp, it’s time to disinfect and clean the pulp chamber. 
• Step 6: Next, the empty pulp chamber will be filled with gutta-percha, a permanent filling for root canals. 
• Step 7: You’re almost done! Your dentist will seal your tooth with a temporary dental filling to keep bacteria away.

Lastly, a temporary dental crown will be placed on your treated tooth for ample protection and restoration. It may be two to three weeks before the permanent crown is inserted.  

There is little to no downtime following a root canal.

What to Expect After the Procedure? 

Now that the root of the procedure is over, we recommend that you get plenty of rest following your treatment. Here are additional aftercare tips. 

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your dentist has placed your final restoration. 
• Abstain from hot liquids and foods that require robust chewing until the numbing has worn off. 
• Do not eat sticky foods. 
• Wait at least thirty minutes after your procedure before brushing or flossing. 
• Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve any discomfort. 

Fortunately, there is little to no downtime following a root canal. However, it may take a few days to “feel normal” again. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any lingering discomfort after two to three days. 

Find Relief at Asheville Dental 

At Asheville Dental, your oral health is our utmost priority. Our office provides extensive dentistry services for children, mature adults, and every age in between. 

Let’s work together to keep your smile beautiful and your teeth, gums, and jaw joints healthy. Contact our team today to schedule your appointment.