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All About Root Canals: Why and How They Work
When a cavity reaches a tooth's nerve, the pain can become unbearable. In this case, a root canal is an essential solution to relieve the patient while preserving the tooth. This treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, involves removing the infected nerve and cleaning the tooth to eliminate all traces of decay.
Discover in this article everything you need to know about root canals: what they are, when they are necessary, how they are performed, and why they are often followed by the placement of a crown.
What Is a Root Canal (Devitalization)?
A root canal is an endodontic procedure that aims to remove the dental pulp, which is the living part inside the tooth and its roots. This pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. The goal is to stop the intense pain caused by inflammation and to prevent the spread of a bacterial infection. The term "devitalization" is often used because the procedure removes the living nerve tissue, rendering the tooth non-vital.
All teeth can undergo a root canal, except for wisdom teeth, which are usually extracted. The complexity of the procedure varies depending on the tooth: incisors and canines have a single root canal, premolars often have one or two, while molars can have three, four, or even more canals.
Why is a Root Canal Necessary?
A tooth is a living organ. Beneath the enamel and dentin lies the pulp. When a cavity penetrates the enamel and reaches the pulp, it can cause an irreversible inflammation of the nerve, known as pulpitis. If not treated, the pulp will die (necrosis) and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Besides deep cavities, other situations warrant this treatment:
- Trauma: A significant blow can damage the pulp and require intervention.
- Cracked Tooth: A deep crack can allow bacteria to infect the pulp.
Without treatment, an infection can spread into the jawbone, leading to serious complications like a painful dental abscess.
When Does a Tooth Need a Root Canal?
While sometimes an infected tooth is asymptomatic, common symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal include intense, throbbing pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tooth discoloration, and swelling or tenderness in the gums. A pimple on the gum (a fistula) is a definitive sign of infection.
The Root Canal Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
The treatment typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes and is performed by a general dentist or an endodontist, a specialist in root canal therapy.
- Local Anesthesia: The area is completely numbed for your comfort.
- Isolation: A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva.
- Access Opening: A small opening is made in the crown of the tooth.
- Cleaning and Shaping: The infected or inflamed pulp is removed. The dentist then cleans, shapes, and disinfects the root canals using tiny, flexible instruments.
- Filling the Canals: The cleaned canals are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
- Temporary Filling: A temporary filling is placed to close the opening.
After the Root Canal: The Importance of a Dental Crown
A root canal-treated tooth is no longer vital and becomes brittle and prone to fracture over time. For this reason, a permanent restoration is crucial. In most cases, especially for molars, the placement of a dental crown is necessary to protect the tooth from chewing forces and ensure its long-term survival.
Prevention: How to Avoid Needing a Root Canal
The best way to avoid a root canal is through good oral hygiene and preventive care:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings to catch cavities early.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports to protect against trauma.
Conclusion: A Tooth-Saving Procedure
A root canal is an effective and common procedure designed to save a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. It is a quick and painless treatment that provides immediate relief. If you experience persistent tooth pain, don't wait: a tooth treated in time is a tooth saved!
FAQ: Your Top Questions About Root Canals
No. With modern anesthesia, the procedure itself is painless. In fact, it's designed to relieve the severe pain caused by an infected tooth. You may experience some mild tenderness for a few days afterward, which is easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
The cost varies depending on the tooth's location. A front tooth root canal can cost between $700 and $1,200, while a molar can cost between $1,200 and $2,000 or more. This does not include the cost of the final crown. Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for root canals.
Yes, although it's uncommon. Reinfection can occur if there was a missed canal, a crack in the tooth root, or a breakdown of the final restoration that allows bacteria to re-enter. In these cases, a root canal retreatment or other procedure may be necessary.