Root canal treatment is intended to repair and save a tooth with damaged or infected pulp, rather than remove it. The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that local anesthesia is used during treatment, so claims that the procedure must be painful do not reflect what patients should expect during a properly numbed procedure. Whether it is appropriate depends on a dentist’s evaluation of the tooth.
Myth: A root canal is done to remove a tooth
Fact: The purpose is to treat the inside of a tooth and preserve it when possible. Pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, can become infected after a deep cavity, repeated dental procedures, a crack or an injury. The ADA notes that untreated infection can affect nearby tissues and bone and may put the tooth at risk of being lost.
A dentist may use X-rays to assess the tooth and surrounding bone. Ask what the findings show, why root canal treatment is being considered and what the alternatives are for your particular situation.
Myth: The procedure itself is inevitably painful
Fact: The ADA says the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia so the patient does not feel the procedure. The treatment involves opening the tooth, removing the affected pulp, cleaning the inside and roots, then filling and sealing them. A temporary filling may protect the tooth until a permanent filling or crown is placed.
The ADA also notes that the tooth and surrounding area may feel sensitive for a few days afterward. Ask the dentist what to expect in your case and how to discuss any discomfort or concerns.
Myth: The visit is the end of treatment
Fact: Root canal treatment commonly requires a follow-up visit. The temporary filling is replaced with a regular filling or a crown, depending on what the tooth needs, to help protect it from further damage. Ask what restoration is planned, when it should be completed and how the tooth will be checked afterward.
Questions to take to your dental visit
- What suggests that the tooth’s pulp is damaged or infected?
- What are the options for this tooth, and what are the considerations for each?
- What should I expect during treatment and afterward?
- Will the tooth need a permanent filling or a crown, and what follow-up is needed?
For more background, read the ADA’s guide to root canal treatment. To contact Minot Smiles Dental Co. with questions or find out what information is available, use its website. A dentist can assess your tooth and explain the options for your circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might a dentist recommend root canal treatment?
A dentist may recommend it for a severely damaged or decaying tooth, or one with a serious infection. Treatment is used to repair and save the tooth instead of removing it.
Does root canal treatment hurt during the procedure?
The ADA says the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area so the patient does not feel the procedure. The tooth and surrounding area may feel sensitive for a few days afterward.
Is a root canal finished in one visit?
The ADA says root canal treatment usually takes one or two office visits. A follow-up visit is needed to replace the temporary filling with a regular filling or crown, as appropriate.
What happens during root canal treatment?
The dentist opens the tooth, removes the affected pulp, cleans the inside and root canals, then fills and seals them. A temporary filling may be placed until a permanent restoration is completed.
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