Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, is a dental procedure that involves removing infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth.
The pulp is a tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels that help keep the tooth alive.
When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause pain, swelling, and other problems.
What to expect During a root canal treatment
The infected or damaged tissue is removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection.
Root canal treatment is usually recommended when a tooth is too damaged to be repaired with a filling or crown,
and is an effective way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
Typically, inflammation and infection
that requires this kind of treatment come from:
A deep cavity
A cracked or fractured tooth
Injury to the tooth
In permanent teeth, the most commonly
known endodontic treatment is a root canal.
Do root canals hurt?
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but most people report that the procedure is no more painful than having a filling placed.
In fact, the pain that often prompts people to seek root canal treatment is typically caused by the infection or damage to the pulp inside the tooth.
The pain should go away once the following occurs:
Infected or damaged tooth is removed
inside of tooth is cleaned and sealed
During the root canal procedure, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the tooth, so you should not feel any pain during the treatment.
You may feel some pressure at times, but this is normal and should not be painful.
Some people experience some discomfort or pain after the anesthetic wears off, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Overall, root canals are an effective way to relieve tooth pain and save a damaged tooth, and most people find the procedure to be relatively comfortable. If you have any concerns about the pain associated with root canal treatment, be sure to discuss them with your dentist or endodontist.
