A root canal is a standard dental procedure that relieves discomfort and treats infection. In many cases, it can preserve a natural tooth from extraction.
Typically, root canals take about 30 to 60 minutes. Large teeth with multiple roots or a complex canal system may take up to 90 minutes.
When Root Canals Are Necessary
Frequently, dentists perform root canals when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected due to exposure to contaminants like food and saliva. Severe tooth decay, breaks, chips, cracks, or dental trauma may bring on a pulp infection.
Teeth needing root canal treatment often cause significant discomfort, though occasionally, there are no outward symptoms.
Symptoms Indicating The Need For a Root Canal
You may experience one or more of these symptoms:
- Persistent discomfort, especially when biting or chewing on the tooth
- Tooth pain that spreads to other areas of the mouth and jaw
- Intense sensitivity to hot and cold, especially when it persists past the removal of the food or beverage
- Swollen gums
- Pus appearing along the gum line
- Swollen face or jaw
- Fever, chills, or aches
- Need for a root canal indicated by dental imaging in case of no other symptoms
How Root Canals Work
Root canals may cause some trepidation, but dentists reassure their patients that today's procedures are comfortable and well-tolerated.
The first step is applying local anesthesia to prevent the patient from feeling discomfort. Next, the dentist opens the pulp chamber using a drill. They use a series of tiny files to remove all traces of damaged pulp. They clear and sanitize the root canals, smoothing and reshaping them to protect against future infection.
The dentist fills the tooth with a biocompatible material to seal out contamination. Finally, they place a temporary filling to allow the tooth to heal.
Restoration Options
After the tooth heals, the dentist places a permanent crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore its chewing ability. While a filling is sufficient in some cases, a dental crown will help the tooth last longer and prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Do root canals cause illness?
Dentists warn against the spread of outdated medical misinformation that blames root canals for systemic infections and other health problems. On the contrary, a root canal can prevent a pulp infection from transferring to other teeth or entering the bloodstream.
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
You will likely feel much better directly after your root canal, though the tooth will take time to heal completely. If you feel discomfort that persists after the first day or two, consult your dentist. You may need antibiotics or additional treatment.
Call Suwanee Family Dentistry
We provide root canals to help our patients overcome discomfort and keep their natural teeth. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our Suwanee, GA, office at 678-714-2380. We would be glad to answer them.