All About Root Canals: What, Why & How?

So your dentist has told you that you need a root canal. And they gave you a pretty good rundown of what it is and what to expect, but any oral surgery is scary, so you’re doing your own research as well. Maybe don’t go on WebMD and scare yourself with a pseudo-cancer diagnosis. Instead, we’ll explain what a root canal is, why people sometimes need them, what to expect with your procedure, and how to optimize your healing afterwards. It’s actually not so scary.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a last resort procedure to save an infected, abscessed or otherwise badly-damaged tooth from having to be pulled, because if at all possible, saving a tooth is better than removing it. Basically, all the bad or infected tissue is removed from the tooth’s interior, and the tooth’s nerve is deadened to prevent any further pain, decay or infection. Then the tooth is filled to seal the cavity and protect from further damage.

There are two different methods of performing a root canal surgery. The traditional method uses a super-tiny drill to remove the infected pulp. But the new GentleWave method of root canals is the one we prefer, because it’s less painful for our patients, more effective, and has a quicker healing time.

The GentleWave method for root canals uses vibrations and fluid to remove the infected pulp. It doesn’t traumatize the tooth, and the fluid is able to get even the microscopic edges of the damaged pulp. It bears a higher rate of success, less risk of continued infection, and gets a higher rating from our patients, too.

Why would Someone Need a Root Canal?

We’ve already discussed that root canal surgery is used to kill an infection in a badly-damaged tooth while saving the tooth itself. The centers of our teeth aren’t all bone. The majority of your inner tooth, referred to as the “pulp”, is connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels, which is why it’s more susceptible to infection. But how did your tooth become infected? And what risk factors are at play in the likelihood of needing root canal surgery?

First, let’s take a quick looks at symptoms of an infected tooth that may signal you need a root canal done:

• Pimples on the gums
• Severe pain/sensitivity in the affected tooth
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Swollen, red or bleeding gums
• Dark or decayed gums
• Temperature sensitivity
• Swollen face, achy jaw
• Visible hole in affected tooth

What might contribute to a tooth infection that requires root canal therapy? This question is primarily one of proper dental care. An infected tooth can be caused by bacteria intrusion, but it can also be caused by a physically-traumatic event. And some chronic health conditions, especially those that weaken the immune system or compromise bone structure, can all leave you more susceptible to getting a tooth infected.

The key to avoiding root canals is to see your dentist for regular cleanings, and see an emergency dentist after an injury to your mouth, as well as if you suddenly have adverse symptoms and you’re concerned. When it comes to our oral health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and preventative dental care is always preferable to reparative care.

How to Prepare for Root Canal Surgery?

As with any kind of surgery, talk to your doctor about exactly how you should prepare, and follow their directions to a T:

• Don’t smoke. It hampers your body’s healing processes.
• Eat a meal beforehand. It’s just local anesthetic, but you’ll be numb for a while after the procedure.
• Take any prescriptions your dentist gave you as prescribed.
• No alcohol for a few days around the procedure. It increases risks of bleeding.
• Take an ibuprofen before your appointment. It lessens pain and inflammation.

Proper Aftercare for Your Root Canal

Caring for yourself after your root canal surgery is important for the success of the procedure. You shouldn’t be in much-to-any pain after the root canal, but your tooth will probably be sensitive for a few days. OTC anti-inflammatories and pain killers should handle it. Drink a lot of water to keep your mouth more flushed of bacteria. Things should be back to normal in about a week.

There are some symptoms that indicate a complication and in which you should call an emergency dentist. Severe swelling, continued bleeding, severe pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting are all signs of infection and need to be looked at immediately.