What is a Root Canal?

1. Anatomy of the tooth
Root Canal 1

2. Damaged Tooth to be repaired
Root Canal 2

3. Tooth disinfecting - clean and shape canal

Root Canal 3

Root Canal Therapy
The proper dental terminology for a “root canal” is root canal therapy or endodontic therapy. This procedure is required when the small amount of tissue in the middle of a tooth becomes infected. The infection is typically caused by tooth decay. The phrase root canal actually refers to the tiny space, or canal, that houses this soft tissue in the root of a tooth. In most cases root canal therapy only requires local anesthesia (normal dental numbing), however our office can provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation. During the procedure the soft tissue inside the tooth is removed and the entire space is disinfected. The space is then filled and sealed with a material to prevent reinfection.

Root Canal Retreatment
Root canal therapy has an extremely high success rate, but there are some instances that the root canal therapy must be retreated. This procedure is very similar to first time root canal therapy. It involves removing the material filling the root canal space where the soft tissue once resided. The space is then disinfected and filled with a material just as it was during the first root canal therapy.

Endodontic Surgery
When the soft tissue inside the tooth is infected, the source of infection usually stays inside the tooth. If there is a source of infection outside the tooth then endodontic surgery may be required. Like root canal therapy surgery is typically performed using only local anesthesia, but nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral sedation are available. Endodontic surgery disinfects the area around and on the tooth’s surface by physically removing the infected portion at the end of the root.

4. Tooth after Procedure
Root Canal 4

5. Tooth Healing
Root Canal 5

Root Canal Myths

Root Canals Hurt

According to the American Association of Endodontists, the perception of root canals being painful began decades ago when root canal treatments were painful. Today, with modern technology and better anesthetics, root canal treatments are no more painful than having a filling. Knowing what to expect while having a root canal can help ease a lot of anxiety.

Root Canals Require a lot of Visits to the Dentist

With today’s cutting edge technology, most root canals can be performed in one or two office visits.

Crowns Cause Teeth to Need Root Canals

Many people believe that having a crown on a tooth means that the tooth will eventually need a root canal. Crowns do not cause the need for root canal therapy. If a crowned tooth does require a root canal, it could be that the tooth has abscessed or that decay has gotten underneath the crown and reached the pulp of the tooth.

Root Canals Cause Illness

There is no evidence to support that root canals cause illness. However, there is evidence to support the fact that people who have had root canals are no more at risk for developing illness than people who have never had root canals.

Root Canals Involve Removing the Roots of the Tooth

When the dentist or endodontist performs a root canal treatment, he or she remove the pulp from inside of the tooth. The roots of the tooth are not removed.

Pregnant Women Can't Have Root Canals

Pregnant women can and do have root canals. Having a root canal does require a small x-ray, but the radiation exposure is very minimal and the x-ray is aimed at the mouth, not the abdomen area. If you are pregnant and your dentist needs to give you an x-ray, he will use a lead apron to cover your belly. The anesthetics that dentists use are also safe for pregnant women.

Be sure to let your dentist know beforehand if you are pregnant.

Even With A Root Canal, The Tooth Will Come Out Eventually

If you have your tooth properly restored, maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular checkups, your natural tooth could last for the rest of your life.

If the Tooth Doesn't Hurt, There is no Need for a Root Canal

While a throbbing toothache usually results in the need for root canal treatment, many times a tooth can require root canal treatment when there is no pain present. Dentists and endodontists are specially trained to test a tooth to see if the pulp has been infected or damaged. If this is the case, a root canal would be necessary to save the tooth.

Pulling the Tooth is Better than Getting a Root Canal

Keeping your natural teeth for as long as possible is very important for proper eating and chewing functions. There are several options available for missing teeth, such as dentures, partial dentures, dental implants and fixed dental bridges, however, these alternatives can be much more expensive than saving your tooth with a root canal treatment.

After Having a Root Canal, My Tooth is Completely Restored

After having a root canal, it is extremely important to make a follow-up appointment with your dentist to have the tooth permanently restored. After the pulp of the tooth has been removed, the tooth can become very dry and brittle. Having a permanent restoration will help protect your tooth from fracturing.