If you have a tooth that is cracked or broken, very sensitive to temperature changes, painful when touched, or there is swelling near the base of the tooth, your dentist may advise a root canal. Root canals save almost a quarter of a billion teeth every year. When teeth are damaged, badly decayed or the pulp within them becomes infected, root canal treatments can save them and help people avoid extractions. By avoiding an extraction, which was once the common treatment for a badly decayed or infected tooth, the natural function and appearance of the tooth can be maintained without the need for extensive and costly restoration procedures.

The pulp that is located in the center of the tooth, also called the root canal, contains blood vessels that nourish the tooth, nerves and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes infected, it will need to be removed through a root canal treatment. The tooth will continue to be nourished through the gums even after the pulp has been removed.

Your dentist will be able to determine if you need a root canal treatment by checking the sensitivity of the affected tooth, checking the surrounding tissues or taking X-rays of the tooth. The procedure may take between one and two visits. The location of the tooth and shape of the canals may make it more complicated to treat. A tooth that is badly infected may also be more difficult to treat, because the dentist will need to ensure the infection is completely healed prior to sealing the tooth.

When you get a root canal treatment, your dentist will first provide you with anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth. If you are experiencing anxiety or fear, you may also request sedation, such as nitrous oxide or oral sedatives. Talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry options.

Your dentist will then create an access point so that he or she will be able to remove the infected pulp. Your dentist will thoroughly clean out each of the tooth's root canals and measure them carefully to ensure that all the infected material has been removed. The empty canals will then be cleaned with an antiseptic prior to being sealed with a temporary filling. The temporary dental filling protects the tooth from bacterial contamination and allows it to continue to heal. Once the infection has entirely healed, your dentist will cover your tooth with either a permanent dental filling or a dental crown. The restoration protects the tooth from damage and strengthens it.

Root canal treatments are almost never painful. Anesthetics will numb the area so that you will not feel anything during the treatment. After the root canal treatment, you should not experience any lingering pain. Still, if the infection was severe, you may notice tenderness or discomfort for several days until it heals completely.

At NOHO Dental Group, our dentists provide a variety of dental treatments to ensure the health and beauty of the teeth of all patients. Root canal treatment is also offered.