Root Canals and Dental Health: Understanding the Why and How

Maintaining good dental health is essential for a beautiful smile and overall well-being. However, even with proper care, teeth can sometimes become infected or damaged. When this happens and damages the pulp at the center of a tooth, a root canal may be necessary to save it and prevent further complications.

Why Might You Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat infection or damage within the tooth’s pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. The main goals of a root canal are:

• To relieve pain caused by infection or inflammation.
• To preserve the natural tooth and prevent the need for extraction.
• To eliminate infection and stop it from spreading to other areas of the mouth.
• To restore function, allowing you to chew and speak without discomfort.

The alternative is tooth extraction, which comes with its own set of problems. If you extract a tooth, you risk the collapse of the empty tooth socket, the shifting of adjacent teeth to fill the space, and other problems if you do not replace the tooth. A replacement, such as a dental implant, is expensive and requires invasive surgery. Saving a natural tooth is always the best option.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Many people feel anxious when they hear the term “root canal,” but modern techniques make the procedure relatively painless and highly effective. Here’s what you can expect during a root canal at RiverWalk Family Dental:

1. Numbing the Tooth – We use local anesthesia to numb the tooth and surrounding area to ensure you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
2. Creating an Opening – We make a small opening in the top of the tooth using specialized tools. This opening allows us to access the infected or damaged pulp without causing any significant damage to the tooth.
3. Cleaning the Canals – We remove the infected pulp, clean the inside of the tooth, and disinfect the canals to eliminate bacteria.
4. Filling the Canals—To prevent reinfection, the empty space inside the tooth is filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha.
5. Sealing and Restoring the Tooth – We may place a crown over the tooth to restore its strength and appearance.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Thanks to modern anesthesia and dental techniques, patients experience little to no pain during the procedure. In fact, a root canal often provides significant relief from severe tooth pain caused by infection. Some mild soreness may occur after the procedure, but it can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Save Your Painful Tooth with a Root Canal

A root canal is a safe and effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth. If you have persistent tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity, it’s essential to see a dentist at RiverWalk Family Dental as soon as possible. Remember, early treatment can prevent complications and help maintain dental health for years.

If you suspect you need a root canal, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us by calling Naperville IL Dentist Office Phone Number 630-579-6000 today. Taking action early can relieve your pain and save your tooth!