Root Canal Treatment: What You Need to Know

Root canal treatment is one of the common dental procedures performed in clinics. However, simply mentioning it is enough to make many people shiver. But are these fears justified, or are they more related to a misunderstanding of what a root canal treatment is and when it is needed?

We invite you to read this article to learn more about root canal treatment. We believe that afterward, you will be much less afraid of it.

A Last Resort Treatment

A root canal is performed when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected. The pulp is the central part of the tooth and contains the blood vessels and nerves necessary for tooth growth. When bacteria reach the dental pulp, they cause an infection that can lead to intense and debilitating pain.

There are several reasons why bacteria may access the pulp of a tooth. The main ones are:

• A deep cavity that was not treated in time
• A crack or fracture in the tooth
• A broken filling or restoration

A root canal is considered a last resort treatment, meaning it is the only option to save an infected tooth. Otherwise, the tooth must be extracted. So when your dentist recommends a root canal, it is because they want to save your tooth and help you keep your full dentition. In addition, when a tooth pulp is infected, if left untreated, the infection can lead to an abscess or even spread to other parts of the body, becoming a serious health risk.

Steps of a Root Canal Treatment

Although many people fear it, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure performed under local anesthesia. Here are the key steps:

• A dental dam is placed around the tooth being treated to prevent saliva and bacteria from contaminating it during the procedure.
• The dentist drills into the tooth to access the dental pulp.
• The infected pulp tissue is removed using precise instruments.
• The internal canals of the tooth are cleaned to eliminate all infection and bacteria.
• The canals are filled with a special rubber-like material.
• The tooth is sealed with a filling. In some cases, a dental crown is made and placed to strengthen and protect the tooth.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Many people still believe that a root canal is very painful. In reality, it is the pulp infection itself that causes the intense pain mistakenly associated with the procedure. Root canal treatment aims to eliminate the infection and therefore the pain it causes. The procedure itself does not cause significant discomfort. Patients often compare it to getting a regular filling.

There is no reason to fear a root canal. If your dentist recommends one, it is to avoid extracting the tooth and to prevent the need for replacement treatments. If you have more questions about root canal treatment, do not hesitate to consult our dentists in Plateau Mont-Royal and their team.