A root canal procedure may seem like a scary, last-resort option for dental care. However, having one done at the first sign of pain or gum swelling can stop you from having further pain and dental problems. Early root canals are often less invasive and can result in fewer future root canals being needed for treatment.

If a root canal is delayed too long, the infection could spread, requiring more procedures than necessary.

What is a root canal procedure?

The root canal procedure is a standard endodontic treatment that removes the infected pulp inside the tooth’s root. During a root canal, your endodontist will clean the interior of your tooth before filling it with a rubber compound to prevent recontamination.

Root canals are performed to save teeth that have decayed beyond repair or are severely damaged by trauma. In some cases, root canal therapy may be used for cosmetic reasons.

Is it painful to get a root canal?

No, root canals are not painful; root canal therapy relieves the pain associated with damaged teeth. Most patients report that root canal treatment feels much like regular dental fillings.

Your endodontist will recommend local anesthetic to numb the area before beginning root canal treatment. The procedure shouldn’t be painful, and any discomfort you experience should go away once your root canal is complete.

What are the symptoms of needing a root canal?

If a root canal is needed, your endodontist can diagnose the problem during a regular dental exam. However, some signs that root canals may be necessary to include the following:

• Severe toothache pain, especially when eating or drinking hot and cold foods
• Pain when biting down on a tooth
• Swelling in the surrounding gums
• Darkening of the tooth
• Pus coming from the infected tooth
• A persistent bad taste in your mouth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your dentist or endodontist as soon as possible. Prompt root canal treatment can help save your teeth.

What happens during a root canal?

During a root canal procedure, your endodontist will carefully clean out the infected root canals, then fill and seal them with a compound called gutta percha. Before beginning the procedure, your endodontist will numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel discomfort during treatment.

How long does a root canal usually take?

Root canals typically take about an hour or two to complete, but your treatment time may vary depending on the complexity of root canal therapy needed.

It’s important to note that root canal treatment may require multiple appointments if more complex work is necessary or a crown needs to be placed following root canal therapy. Your endodontist will explain the expected duration of root canal therapy before beginning treatment.

Having root canals done promptly by an experienced endodontist near you can help save teeth and reduce pain associated with dental decay or trauma.

Are root canals safe?

Root canals are a safe and effective way to preserve teeth damaged or infected beyond repair.

Finding an endodontist near you is essential for any root canal treatment. Your local endodontist should have the right experience and qualifications to ensure that your root canal is done safely and effectively. You should also feel free to ask your endodontist questions about the root canal procedure or recovery time after treatment.

Root canals are one of the best ways to save a damaged tooth- but it’s always up to you to decide which dental treatments make sense for you and your smile! Before any root canal treatment, consult with your endodontist and dentist to ensure root canals are the best solution for you.

If you’re experiencing dental pain or decay, ask your dentist if a root canal is right for you. If needed, they can refer you to an experienced endodontist near you who can assess your oral health and determine if root canals are necessary to preserve the health of your teeth.