No one likes it: severe, distressing tooth pain. Such pain is often a sign of infection, which can be treated with a root canal. If you need a root canal but you feel nervous, this article is for you! We’ll explain the root canal treatment thoroughly, so you’ll know what to expect. Then, we’ll discuss how a root canal can be a game-changer to save your oral health! Finally, we’ll have a look at some alternatives for this treatment.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
What can save a deeply infected tooth? Correct, a root canal treatment. This treatment targets the innermost layer of a tooth: the pulp. This layer contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Tooth infection starts from the enamel, the outermost layer. If it’s neglected, the infection reaches inside the tooth. Infection in the pulp causes inflammation, leading to tooth pain and swelling.
This is when dentists use root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp. This treatment is the most common type of endodontic treatment (treatments used to address the problems of damaged tooth pulps).
You might ask: isn’t removing the inner layer of a tooth dangerous?
The answer is that the pulp plays a crucial role during a tooth’s development but becomes non-essential once the tooth matures. So, your tooth remains functional after removing it.
But now you may have another question: why should the pulp be removed in the first place?
We’ve got the answer to that one too! The reason is that if the infected pulp is not removed, the infection can spread to other areas in your mouth or even other parts of your body. This puts you at risk for serious oral and general health problems. By removing the infected pulp, we eliminate the source of infection and save the tooth. This is what can make a root canal treatment a serious dental emergency.

What Is the Root Canal Procedure?
You’re now familiar with the purpose of a root canal treatment. Let’s move on to the next part: how this treatment is done and what you should expect. Keep on reading to find out.
First Step: Diagnosis and Preparation
This step involves:
- Examining your tooth using X-rays
- Determining the severity of the problem
- Determining the shape of the root canal
Second Step: Access and Cleaning
This is when the main procedure starts. You won’t feel pain during the treatment because the area will be numbed by local anesthesia.
- Making a small opening on the surface of the tooth
- Accessing the pulp chamber
- Removing the damaged pulp
- Cleaning and disinfecting the root canals
Third Step: Filling and Sealing
Now, the bacteria and debris are removed from inside your tooth. What’s next?
- Filling root canals with gutta-percha (a rubber-like material)
- Closing the opening with a temporary filling
Fourth Step: Restoration
We’re now at the final stage of your root canal. This step involves restoring the tooth with a permanent filling or crown. This helps strengthen the tooth and prevents more damage to it. This is especially helpful for teeth that are badly damaged, plus teeth that will be under heavy chewing pressure.
Experiencing mild discomfort after your treatment is possible, but it resolves within a few days.
If You’re Experiencing Tooth pain, You Might Need a Root Canal Treatment
If you have severe dental pain, please call us immediately. This pain is a sign of an underlying oral health issue. It’s best to receive emergency dental care as soon as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Root Canal Treatment?
There are several aspects that we can discuss to answer this question. Here’s a breakdown:
Relieving Pain and Restoring Functionality
Dental infections are responsible for annoying toothaches. An important benefit of a root canal is that it relieves the intense pain immediately. That’s because this treatment removes the source of pain. As a result, the tooth can function normally again.
Preventing Infections and Tooth Loss
A dangerous thing about dental infections is that they can affect surrounding teeth, gums, and even the jawbone. If this happens, you’ll need complex and lengthy treatments. When a root canal treatment is done
- Your natural tooth is saved
- The infection is stopped in the tooth
- Other parts of your body are protected against infection
Saving You Money in the Long Run
Root canals may seem costly upfront, but they are more cost-effective in the long term. Imagine having to undergo tooth extraction followed by a dental implant, bridge, or denture. This can be significantly more expensive. Additionally, when your natural tooth is saved, you won’t need treatments for shifting teeth or jawbone deterioration.

When Isn’t the Root Canal Treatment an Option?
Sometimes, a root canal treatment may not be the best option. You may ask when and why. Well, this might be the case if:
- A portion of the pulp is still healthy: In this scenario, there are two options:
- Pulpotomy: Removes only the infected part of the tooth. It’s often used in primary teeth or early-stage decay in permanent teeth.
- Direct Pulp Capping: Applies a protective material over exposed pulp. This will promote healing and preserve the tooth. This option is used for minor pulp exposures.
- The tooth is too damaged to restore – The infection is widespread: In this scenario, a tooth extraction is the way to go. Let’s have a deeper look at this treatment option.
Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal: Pros and Cons
If tooth extraction is chosen as the right treatment option, we can anticipate some benefits and downsides. Let’s compare the two treatments.
- Root Canal Treatment
- Pros: Preserves the natural tooth, maintains alignment, and prevents jawbone loss.
- Cons: Requires multiple visits in some cases and can be costly initially.
- Tooth Extraction:
- Pros: Quick and straightforward, especially for severely damaged teeth.
- Cons: Leaves a gap that can affect appearance and chewing function, may lead to bone loss, and often requires a replacement option.
When Is Extraction the Better Option?
Extraction is generally recommended when:
- The tooth is too damaged to be restored.
- The root structure is fractured beyond repair.
- Severe bone loss around the tooth makes it unstable.
Replacement Options for Missing Teeth After Extraction
If extraction is unavoidable, here are the common replacement options:
- Dental Implants: The most durable and natural-looking option, implants prevent bone loss and provide excellent functionality.
- Dental Bridges: These fill gaps by anchoring to adjacent teeth, offering a fixed and stable solution.
- Dentures: Suitable for replacing multiple missing teeth, dentures are a cost-effective choice for some patients.
Final Thoughts
We’ve seen how root canals are an incredibly effective treatment for dental damage. With this treatment, your tooth pain will be relieved in a short time, and you will enjoy having a healthy smile. More importantly, you can keep using your tooth! The appearance of your smile won’t be affected as well. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, consult our experts immediately.
With years of experience and advanced restorative dentistry techniques, our skilled team is here to protect your smile. Book your consultation today and experience premium dental care near you.
FAQs
1. What are the warning signs that I need a root canal?
Persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling, tenderness, or dark discoloration of the tooth are signs that you may need a root canal. Consult your dentist immediately.
2. Does a root canal hurt during or after the procedure?
Modern anesthesia makes the procedure virtually painless. Post-treatment, mild soreness or sensitivity may occur but can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients feel significant relief from previous pain.
3. How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
Recovery typically takes a few days. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth, maintain good oral hygiene, and follow your dentist’s advice to ensure a smooth and quick recovery process.
4. Can a root canal fail, and what happens if it does?
Although rare, root canals can fail due to reinfection or incomplete cleaning. In such cases, retreatment or surgical procedures like an apicoectomy may be necessary to resolve the issue and save the tooth.