Root Canal Therapy

Saving a Tooth From the Inside

When the tissue inside a tooth becomes infected or severely inflamed, the discomfort can be difficult to ignore. In other cases, the problem may develop with surprisingly few symptoms. Root canal therapy treats the inside of the tooth, removing the damaged tissue and helping you keep a natural tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.

At Foley Family Dentistry, we know that hearing you need a root canal can make you feel apprehensive. We will explain what is happening with your tooth, why treatment is recommended, and what you can expect. Our goal is to help you feel informed and comfortable while we work to restore your oral health.

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What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Inside each tooth is a space containing soft tissue called the dental pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that are important while the tooth is developing.

If the pulp becomes infected or irreversibly inflamed, it cannot heal on its own. Root canal therapy allows us to remove the affected tissue, clean and disinfect the spaces inside the tooth, and seal them to help prevent bacteria from reentering.

Once treatment and the appropriate final restoration are complete, the tooth can continue to function as part of your smile.

Why Might You Need a Root Canal?

The pulp inside a tooth can become damaged for several reasons, including:

  • Deep tooth decay
  • A crack or fracture that extends into the tooth
  • Significant trauma or injury
  • Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
  • An infection that reaches the pulp

When possible, treating the problem with root canal therapy allows us to preserve your natural tooth rather than remove it.

What Are the Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment?

Symptoms vary from person to person. Some patients experience significant discomfort, while others have little or no pain.

Possible signs of a problem inside the tooth include:

  • Persistent tooth pain
  • Pain when biting or chewing
  • Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
  • A pimple-like bump on the gums
  • Darkening or discoloration of a tooth

These symptoms do not necessarily mean that you need a root canal. Several dental conditions can cause similar problems, which is why an examination is important.

If a tooth hurts, becomes swollen, or suddenly feels different, let us know. We can determine what is causing the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.

What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?

Before beginning treatment, we numb the area with local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.

An opening is made in the tooth so the infected or inflamed pulp can be removed. The small spaces inside the roots, called root canals, are carefully cleaned, shaped, and disinfected. Once they are ready, the canals are filled and sealed.

Depending on the condition and complexity of the tooth, treatment may be completed in one appointment or require additional visits. If your tooth would be better treated by an endodontist, a dentist who specializes in root canal treatment, we can discuss a referral with you.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but the purpose of the procedure is actually to address the infection or inflammation that may be causing your toothache.

Local anesthetic is used during treatment, and we will make sure the area is adequately numb before we begin. You may experience some tenderness or sensitivity after the procedure, particularly if the tooth was painful or infected beforehand.

We will explain what you can expect afterward and how to manage any temporary discomfort.

What Happens After Root Canal Treatment?

Removing the infected or inflamed pulp addresses the problem inside the tooth, but the tooth still needs to be properly restored afterward.

A filling or temporary restoration may initially be placed to protect the tooth. Depending on which tooth was treated and how much healthy structure remains, a dental crown may be recommended as the final restoration. Crowns are commonly used for root canal-treated back teeth because these teeth withstand substantial biting and chewing forces.

We will explain what type of restoration your tooth needs and why completing this part of treatment is important.

Will You Need Antibiotics After a Root Canal?

Antibiotics are not automatically necessary after root canal therapy. Treating the source of the infection within the tooth is generally the primary focus of care.

There are circumstances in which antibiotics may be appropriate, such as when an infection has spread beyond the tooth or certain systemic symptoms are present. If medication is necessary in your situation, we will prescribe it and explain how to take it.

How Long Does a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Last?

Root canal therapy is intended to help preserve your natural tooth for the long term, but no dental treatment can guarantee that a tooth will last for a particular number of years.

The condition of the tooth before treatment, the quality and timing of the final restoration, your bite, and your oral hygiene can all affect its long-term outlook.

Brush and clean around the tooth just as you do your other teeth, and continue with your recommended dental checkups. We will monitor the tooth and its restoration as part of your ongoing care.

When Should You Contact Us After Treatment?

Some temporary tenderness can occur after root canal therapy. Contact us if you experience severe or increasing pain, significant swelling, problems with your temporary or final restoration, or anything else that concerns you.

We want you to feel comfortable reaching out when you have questions about your recovery.

Keeping Your Natural Tooth Whenever Possible

When the inside of a tooth becomes infected or severely inflamed, removing the entire tooth is not always necessary. Root canal therapy can address the source of the problem while allowing you to retain your natural tooth.

We will evaluate your tooth carefully, explain your treatment options, and help you understand the best path forward for your oral health.

Call for more information or to schedule an appointment with Foley Family Dentistry in Foley, AL.

Call (251) 257-7009