The Root Canal Procedure Explained: What to Expect and How It Saves Your Tooth

Let’s be honest; hearing “root canal” can make many people uneasy. But here’s the truth: modern root canal treatment is far less scary than you might think. In fact, it could be the very thing that saves your natural tooth, stops severe pain, and restores your oral health. If your tooth hurts or your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, don’t worry. This article will guide you through each stage of the root canal procedure clearly and reassuringly.

What Is a Root Canal, Really?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat inflammation or infection in the dental pulp, which is the soft inner tissue located in the centre of your tooth. This pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or damaged, usually due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma, it can cause a lot of discomfort and result in more serious issues if left untreated.

Root canal treatment, also referred to as endodontic treatment or root canal therapy, involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning out the hollow centre of the tooth (known as the pulp chamber and the tooth’s root canal), and sealing it to prevent further infection. The goal is to keep the natural tooth and stop the pain.

Why Would You Need a Root Canal?

You might require root canal treatment if:

• You have a badly decayed tooth
• Your tooth hurts when chewing or when exposed to hot or cold
• There’s swelling or tenderness in nearby gums
• You have a pimple-like bump on your gum near the affected tooth
• You have an abscess or signs of bone loss around the tooth root
• You experienced trauma that damaged the tooth pulp

Sometimes, tooth or root canal infections can develop without obvious symptoms. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important. Your dentist can spot signs of tooth pulp infection early and recommend treatment before the condition worsens.

How Does the Root Canal Procedure Work?

Now that we’ve covered the “why,” let’s talk about the “how.” Depending on the case’s complexity, the root canal process can usually be completed in one or two visits. Some teeth have more than one root canal, especially molars. Your dentist will walk you through what’s involved, tailored to your specific situation.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what happens during the procedure:

1. Local Anaesthetic and Preparation

To begin, your dentist will numb the affected area using a local anaesthetic so you feel comfortable during the procedure. Once the area is completely numb, a small rubber sheet known as a dental dam is placed around the tooth. This keeps the area clean and dry and protects the rest of your mouth during the treatment.

2. Accessing the Pulp Chamber

Your dentist will make a small opening on the surface of the tooth to reach the inner pulp chamber and the root canal system inside. Through this opening, they’ll use specialised tools to carefully remove the damaged or infected pulp. This step removes the source of infection and relieves the pressure and pain caused by inflammation.

3. Cleaning the Root Canals

Once the diseased pulp has been eliminated, the hollow centre of the tooth, including the canals that run down into the roots, will be cleaned and shaped. The dentist uses tiny instruments and may take X-rays to thoroughly clean and prepare the entire canal system.

4. Filling and Sealing the Tooth

After cleaning, the space is disinfected and filled with a rubber-like gutta-percha material. This material helps seal the canals, reducing the risk of bacteria entering again. A temporary filling is then applied to safeguard the tooth until a long-term restoration is completed.

5. Final Restoration

In many cases, a dental crown is fitted over the treated tooth to regain its strength, function, and natural appearance.

This final step strengthens the tooth structure and helps prevent it from cracking or breaking. Once the crown is in place, your root canal therapy is complete.

What Comes Next? Here’s What to Expect After Your Root Canal

It’s completely normal to feel a bit of sensitivity or mild discomfort for a few days after your root canal, particularly when biting down or chewing. This discomfort typically comes from inflammation in the tissues around the treated tooth rather than the tooth itself. Over-the-counter pain relief, soft foods, and avoiding hard foods can help ease recovery.

If you notice severe pain, swelling, or any signs of infection after your root canal, be sure to contact your dentist without delay. While rare, further treatment may sometimes be needed if the infection isn’t fully resolved.

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

With good care, a tooth that’s been treated with a root canal can last just as long as your natural, untreated teeth. However, the long-term outcome of the treatment can be influenced by several factors, such as:

• The condition of the tooth before treatment
• How well the tooth is restored afterwards
• Practising good oral hygiene
• Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings

Taking care of the treated tooth and the rest of your mouth is essential to avoiding root canal treatment in the future.

What Are the Risks If You Avoid Root Canal Treatment?

Putting off or avoiding a root canal can lead to serious problems. The infected pulp won’t heal on its own and can spread to surrounding bone and tissues, causing:

• Persistent or worsening pain
• Abscess formation
• Swelling in the face or neck
• Loss of the affected tooth
• Spread of infection to other teeth or even other parts of the body

In certain situations, removing the tooth may be the only alternative to undergoing root canal treatment. While replacing a tooth with an artificial tooth like a dental implant or bridge is possible, saving your natural tooth is often the best option for your oral health.

Can a Root Canal Fail?

Root canal treatment is known for its high success rate and long-lasting results when properly cared for, but like any dental procedure, there’s a small chance that complications could arise. A root canal may fail if:

• Some infected tissue was missed during the initial treatment
• New decay affects the treated tooth
• The crown or filling becomes loose or damaged
• Cracks form in the tooth, allowing bacteria back in

Retreatment or a different approach may be required to save the tooth in these cases.

Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment?

If you’re trying to avoid root canal treatment, you may be considering other options. The main alternative is tooth extraction, which removes the affected tooth completely. After extraction, the missing tooth often needs to be replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or denture to restore proper chewing and stop neighbouring teeth from shifting out of place. Although removing the tooth might appear to be the easier choice, it can result in more extensive dental work and potential bone loss in the long run. When the natural tooth can be saved, root canal treatment is usually the better and more conservative option.

Want to Skip the Root Canal? Here’s How to Keep Your Teeth Safe

The best way to deal with a root canal? Avoid needing one at all. While not every dental issue is preventable, many cases that lead to root canal treatment start with simple problems that go untreated. The key is staying ahead of tooth decay and damage before it reaches the inner layers of your tooth.

Here’s how to keep your teeth in top shape and reduce your chances of needing a root canal:

• Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste to eliminate plaque and protect enamel.
• Floss daily to clear out food and bacteria between teeth and along the gumline.
• Stay on top of dental check-ups so your dentist can catch small problems early.
• Treat cavities and cracked teeth quickly before they reach the pulp.
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks that contribute to decay.
• Wear a mouthguard during sports to prevent trauma to your teeth.
• Avoid using your teeth to open the packaging, as it can cause cracks.

Sticking to good oral hygiene habits doesn’t just lessen the risk of needing a root canal, it also supports a healthy, confident smile that lasts for years.

FAQs About Root Canal Treatment

Will the root canal procedure hurt?

Thanks to modern techniques and effective local anaesthetics, most people find the root canal process no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. You may feel pressure during the treatment but not pain.

How long does root canal treatment take?

It can usually be completed in one or two visits. Complex cases or molars with multiple canals may require more than one visit.

Is the treated tooth dead?

While the dental pulp is removed during the procedure, the tooth itself can still function normally with the help of a crown or filling. It’s considered a “non-vital” tooth but can last many years.

Can I go back to work or school after a root canal?

Yes, most people return to their normal activities the same day. You might feel a bit numb or sore, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Root Canal

Hearing that you may need a root canal can feel overwhelming. However, this treatment is one of the most reliable ways to relieve pain, preserve your natural tooth, and support your oral health.

With today’s modern techniques, the root canal procedure is simpler, more comfortable, and more successful than ever. It’s a wise investment in your smile that could spare you the need for further damage, complex dental work, or even tooth removal.

So, if your tooth hurts or you suspect an infected tooth, don’t wait. Contact Balmoral Dental Centre at (07) 3113 9789 and ask about your options. A healthy smile is well worth the visit.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

1. Cherney, K. (n.d.). Root canal: Procedure, symptoms, and recovery. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142780
2. WebMD Editorial Team. (n.d.). Dental crowns. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-crowns
3. Watson, S. (n.d.). Dental anesthesia: Types, side effects, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/dental-anesthesia
4. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Tooth pulp. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24659-tooth-pulp