If you’ve heard of root canals, your probably know a bit about them. Most people’s knowledge boils down to two basic facts: they are painful, and they are a dental procedure. But what are root canals? What benefit do they provide someone? How painful are they? Why do doctors recommend them and what alternatives are there? Finally, how can you recover from them? Find out here

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a procedure used to save a badly decayed or infected tooth. The procedure is highly similar to a routine filling. Another term for root canal is endodontic treatment. ‘Endo’ refers to inside, while ‘dont’ refers to teeth, both ‘endo’ and ‘dont’ coming from Greek. In the root canal procedure, the bad pulp in a tooth is removed, and the remaining space is filled and sealed. 

What is dental pulp? It is the innermost layer of the tooth, inside the enamel and dentin. The pulp consists of the tooth nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue. After a root canal, the tooth is less prone to fracture and further damage.

When does someone need a root canal?

Signs of damage to the interior of the tooth, that may necessitate an endodontic procedure, are as follows:

• Severe pain in the tooth is a major sign. If you get it spontaneously, or when you bend down or move in certain positions, you may need a root canal.
• Pimple-like bumps on the gums. These are known as fistulas and can indicate an infected tooth nearby.
• Sensitivity to temperature changes. Especially if the sensitivity remains long after you have eaten or drunk hot/cold food and liquid, it is a sign of a damaged tooth.
• Swollen gums can be a sign of infected teeth.
• Chipped or cracked teeth. This can happen due to trauma, opening the tooth pulp to further infection and damage. A tooth can crack as well when the pulp is damaged and the tooth is dead, weakening it and making it prone to cracking.
• Sensitive gums can be another sign of damaged teeth.
• Jaw abscesses. These are often signs of periodontal infection that has spread from the tooth to the jaw.

How painful is a root canal?

Although they have a bad reputation, root canals aren’t actually that painful. Most people report them as being about the same as a filling, or having a tonsil removed. You can still expect the area to be sore or numb for a few days after the procedure.

What does it take to recover from a root canal?

In the case a root canal is best for you, here is our advice on how to recover as well as you can.

Like most dental surgeries, it will take a few days, or even a weeks, to recover from. During this time you should:

• Ice the swollen and sore parts of your mouth.
• Take it easy! Relax and rest.
• Keep the mouth clean. You will probably want to avoid brushing for some time, as it can bother the interior of the mouth and possibly incur an infection. Rather rinse your mouth out with saltwater after eating to wash away debris. 
• Your dentist will no doubt give you instructions to follow for after surgery. You should probably follow his/her advice.
• Stay hydrated. 
• Eat soft food. Stay away from crunchy, extremely chewy, and hard foods.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco. They can also lead to further mouth injury and infection.

Do you need a root canal?

If you are having tooth pain, swollen gums, or any of the other signs that you may need some tooth TLC, then don’t wait! Send us a message today. Josey Lane Dentistry, based out of Carrollton Texas, is happy to help you in any of your dental needs. Whether you need a root canal, or just advice or an appointment to determine if one is necessary. We are a full-service dental office, offering preventative, cosmetic, restorative and emergency dental care. Keep your smile bright and healthy with Josey Lane.