Your dental health is directly proportional to your overall well-being, which is why it pays to be vigilant about signs of damage or decay. Depending on the nature of an issue, your dentist will suggest a course of action to correct and prevent future problems.
If the pulp of your tooth is damaged, a root canal procedure (RCT) is often recommended. This is one of the most commonly performed dental procedures worldwide. According to the American Association of Endodontists, over 15 million RCTs are performed each year in the U.S.
Read on to understand when an RCT is required, what to look out for, and how the procedure is administered.
The Structure of the Tooth
The tooth consists of two parts: the exposed part, called the crown, and the segment underneath the gums, called the root. Although your tooth is designed to withstand the chewing forces, it isn’t a solid structure through and through. Here’s what’s beneath the enamel:
- A soft and spongy inner layer, called the dentin, supports the enamel.
- The tooth root has a hard outer surface, called cementum.
- Beneath the dentin is the tooth pulp, the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings.
The dental pulp extends downward with the tooth root. The pulp maintains the growth and health of the tooth.
Root Canal Infections
There are various reasons why a root canal may become infected, but the initial cause is typically some form of trauma to the tooth. This trauma can manifest as a crack, a chip, a fracture (in either the crown or the root), or damage to the pulp (with or without visible harm to the exterior).
Dental procedures done close to the pulp or repeated restorations can also irritate the tissue and increase the risk of infection.
Tooth decay often begins on the surface of the enamel or the cementum. If left untreated, it may progress through the dentin and reach the pulp. Once bacteria penetrate the pulp, the infection can spread quickly, causing inflammation. If not addressed, this can result in abscess formation, bone loss around the tooth root, and eventual pulp death. Read on to understand how to tell when an RCT is required.
What is a Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?
A Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is an endodontic procedure used to remove infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside a tooth’s root canal. The dental pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and other cells, cannot heal once it becomes infected. Root canal therapy involves thoroughly cleaning the canal system, removing the infection, and sealing the tooth to prevent further issues. The goal is to relieve pain, stop the spread of infection, and preserve your natural tooth.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infections
The following are some typical symptoms of root canal infection. You may require RCT if you notice these indications:
Teeth Pain
Infected root canals cause acute and severe pain, but not all toothaches result from an infected canal. The key is to determine the onset, location, duration, and character of your pain. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you likely require root canal treatment:
- Severe pain when chewing
- Pain when putting any kind of pressure on the affected tooth
- Pain that won’t let you sleep at night
- Spontaneous pain (intermittent or continuous)
- Sensitivity to heat or cold
Swelling or Tenderness in the Gums
The surrounding tissues get affected in cases of extreme infections, sometimes even causing facial swelling. Similar to toothaches, inflammations don’t always indicate root canal infections. However, here are some warning signs:
- Swelling that lasts for a long time
- A pimple-like swelling at the base of the gums
- Pronounced or recurring swelling
- Pain in the gum on touching or applying any pressure (tenderness)
Bad Breath
If you feel like you’ve had bad breath despite maintaining proper oral hygiene, there’s a chance that there’s a festering infection somewhere. The bacteria, along with the dying pulp, create pockets of pus around the tooth. These are called abscesses, and they might leak a foul-smelling liquid. This, in turn, causes bad breath and also leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.
Tooth Discoloration
A tooth that develops a different color (dark yellow, blue, or gray) is probably infected. The limited blood flow, along with the infection and dying pulp tissue, causes this particular change. If you notice a color change, even without any accompanying pain, it is best to visit your local dentist.
Urgent Signs That Indicate an RCT is Required
Ask yourself: Do you have lingering pain that doesn’t go away, and over time, has it become more persistent and intense? This could be a sign of a tooth infection that requires root canal therapy. Beyond symptoms, a thorough radiographic evaluation is necessary to determine the extent of the cavity and the prognosis of the treatment. Some dental conditions that indicate the need for RCT include:
- A grossly decayed tooth with a sufficient amount of structure remaining to support a crown or post-and-core buildup
- A fracture or crack that exposes the pulp tissue
- Pus or an abscess around the tooth originating from a pulp infection
- Recurrent cavities caused by faulty dental procedures (this eventually leads to pulp inflammation)
- Dental trauma that may not show immediate visible changes, but over time causes pulp tissue degeneration and a change in the color of the tooth.
The Root Canal Therapy Procedure
RCTs are needed to prevent the spread of infection and the need for extraction, as keeping your natural teeth is the primary goal.
A typical root canal requires two or more visits to the dentist, depending on the condition of the tooth. The procedure is done under anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain..
- The initial examination includes visual analysis and taking dental X-rays to assess the tooth’s condition.
- A local anesthetic is given to prevent any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The infected tooth is isolated using a ‘rubber dam’.
- A hole is drilled into the tooth, and special tools are used to remove the necrotic (dead) tissue.
- Once the infected tissue has been removed, your dentist will either seal the tooth on the same day or give you a temporary filling. Sealing the tooth involves placing a rubber compound in the root canal and placing a filling over the access hole.
- A dental crown is always advised on a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment. Failure to get a crown might result in either re-infection or fracture of the tooth.
- Sometimes, your dentist might leave the access hole open to drain any remaining infection. However, this doesn’t mean that the treatment is complete. You will have to revisit your dentist for the final sealing and filling.
Root Canal Treatment: Aftercare
Patients must be particularly mindful of their oral hygiene after a root canal treatment. Flossing around the crown and using antiseptic mouthwash are always recommended. Additionally, having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year is essential.
If you experience soreness or discomfort after the treatment, you can take over-the-counter pain medication for relief. In rare cases of unbearable pain, please visit your dentist.
Studies show that root canal treatments have a 95% success rate, and a treated tooth can last a lifetime.
Which Is Better: Root Canal or Extraction?
Preserving the natural tooth structure is always the priority if the tooth is salvageable. Natural teeth are essential not only for chewing but also for maintaining jaw alignment, aiding in speech, and supporting facial structure.
Root canal therapy helps:
- Preserve natural chewing and speaking function
- Prevent the movement of neighboring teeth
- Maintain jawbone structure
- Offer a higher long-term success rate
While extraction might seem like the simpler option, it often leads to higher long-term costs and additional procedures. An extracted tooth needs to be replaced promptly. Failing to do so can result in:
- Bone loss
- Shifting of neighboring teeth, causing bite misalignment
- Difficulty with chewing and speaking
- Compromised aesthetics
Tooth replacement options like bridges and implants are more invasive and significantly more expensive than a root canal.
Conclusion
Tooth infections do not heal on their own; they tend to worsen without timely, professional treatment. Given its high success rate, root canal therapy remains the best course of action and is usually preferable to extraction.
Why Choose River Rock Dental, Shakopee?
River Rock Dental in Shakopee is a multi-specialty dental practice with highly qualified dentists skilled in delivering comprehensive care at an affordable price. Whether you need general dentistry, root canal therapy, or advanced procedures like implants, we’re your one-stop solution for complete dental care.
Suffering from a toothache? Book your appointment today! Call us at (952) 445‑5556 or visit us at 403 1st Avenue East, Shakopee, MN 55379
