Everything You Need to Know About Root Canal Treatment

Root canals sound scary, but they are common procedures performed by dentists on over 15 million patients every year. Though the causes of root canals are preventable, lifestyle habits or genetic bad luck can intervene and make them necessary.

Fortunately, with modern dental advances, root canal procedures are efficient and painless. If you need a root canal, we’re here to help you understand everything you need to know about your procedure. Contact our team at Keys Dental Specialists to learn more about your treatment plan, including why you might need a root canal as well as why we’re the best Key West dentist for the job.

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure, not a condition. A better question might be: what does a root canal treat?

Canals exist inside the root of every tooth. They contain a substance called “pulp.” This pulp is a collection of the tooth’s blood vessels, nerves, and tissues, which supply the tooth with sensations and nourishment from surrounding structures.

Like any tissue, this pulp can become infected, in this case by bacteria that enter the canal through a crack or cavity in the tooth. This is why untreated cavities and faulty tooth fillings can eventually make root canals necessary.

Simply put, root canals involve cleaning out the canals to remove infected pulp and bacteria before the infection kills the tooth or spreads to other parts of the mouth. The dentist then seals the canals and affixes a permanent crown in the space to prevent further infection.

Why do I need a root canal?

You might need a root canal if you are prone to cavities, but this isn’t inevitable. Proper dental hygiene and timely cavity treatment can prevent the need for root canals by repairing tooth decay before an infection forms. Unfortunately, faulty fillings can allow bacteria to form under the crown in the space created by the cavity. This is a common occurrence in patients who need root canals.

The first signs of needing a root canal are similar to those of a serious or untreated cavity. They include:

• Swelling gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
• Sensitivity to direct pressure
• Persistent tooth pain
• Jaw swelling
• Loose or discolored teeth

These signs of infection should not be ignored. Though a root canal is far down the list of anyone’s preferred activities, it is far preferable to the alternatives. When left untreated, infected roots can lead to more serious infections, painful abscesses, tissue decay, and even bone loss.

In short, you need a root canal because the immediate and persisting results of untreated tooth root infections are far more painful and life-altering than a root canal procedure. Despite this fact, many patients still feel anxiety about the prospect of a root canal. We’re here to walk you through it step by step so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

How is a root canal performed?

The root canal treatment process can be summarized in five steps:

1. Exam and Diagnosis: In your initial appointment, our specialists will examine your oral health and consider alternative solutions to your symptoms. For example, those with persistent tooth root infections may want to explore other options, such as tooth extraction, especially if they have had root canals already. However, in most cases, root canals are the first line of defense against these infections.
2. Preparation and Removal: At your treatment appointment, we will prepare you for your root canal by helping you feel more at ease. Using local anesthesia, we will numb the tooth to prevent you from experiencing pain. Then, one of our specialists will prepare the tooth by drilling a small hole in the top and carefully removing the decayed pulp.
3. Filling the Canal: Once the infected pulp has been cleaned, we will disinfect the cavity and fill the space with a rubbery biocompatible material called gutta-percha combined with sealer paste or adhesive cement. This seals the canals and prevents saliva and bacteria from re-entering the root. At this point, the tooth will be sensitive and unable to bear a full load, so you should avoid chewing anything hard or crunchy before receiving the permanent crown.
4. Applying the Crown: To restore the natural shape and function of the tooth, your dentist will apply a permanent crown to replace the decayed material. This can sometimes be done at the same appointment as the filling but may be delayed to a follow-up appointment. When properly maintained, these crowns should last patients for many years, functioning identically to their natural teeth.

Does root canal treatment hurt?

Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but this probably refers to decades ago when general anesthesia was not as commonly practiced. Today, root canals are completely painless procedures that utilize a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area to prevent any sensation during treatment.

When performed by a skilled practitioner, root canals are routine procedures that prevent painful complications of untreated infections. The procedure itself should never be painful.

How do I prepare for my root canal treatment?

Root canal treatments require 1 or 2 appointments, but preparation is easy in either case. Remember to wear something comfortable and try not to stress on the day of the appointment. We know this is easier said than done! Feel free to speak with one of our specialists if you have any doubts and follow this brief day-of guide to relieve some tension before your procedure:

• Eat before your appointment – you may not feel like eating the rest of that first day.
• Avoid drinking or smoking as this can increase inflammation.
• If you are already taking anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medications, continue to do so as directed by your doctor.
• Get a good night’s sleep to get a head start on your body’s natural healing process.

Ask us if you have any questions or concerns about your procedure, including your treatment schedule, medications, or anything else!

Visit Keys Dental Specialists for Advanced Restorative Dentistry

At Keys Dental Specialists, we pride ourselves on being the best Key West dentist in the fields of maxillofacial surgery and restorative dentistry. Our surgeon, Dr. Eberle, is double board-certified in providing complex dental implant restorations including root canals, jaw and facial reconstructions, dental implants, bone grafts, corrective jaw surgeries, and more. We also have an endodontist on our team who can handle the complex root canals.

Our team of specialists is committed to helping you find the level of care you deserve. Feel free to contact us so we can help you get on the right track to discovering (or rediscovering) your ideal smile.