A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Root canal procedures have the reputation of being painful. Actually, most people report that the procedure itself is not painful. Anesthesia may not even be necessary, since the nerve maybe dead, but most dentists still anesthetize the area to make the patient more relaxed and at ease. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form. That causes much pain and discomfort.

Depending on clinical situation root canal treatment can be made during a single visit or several visits are needed. If more than one visit is required it is vitally important to follow your dentist´s advice and come for revisits until the treatment is finished. Tooth becomes usually symptomless at early stage of the root canal treatment, but if it´s not done in due course according to dentist´s advice, unfortunately patient may end up loosing the tooth.

For the first few days following the completion of a root canal, the tooth may feel sensitive due to natural tissue inflammation, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This sensitivity or discomfort usually can be controlled with common pain medications.

The final step in root canal treatment may involve further restoration of the tooth. Because a tooth that needs a root canal often is one that has a large filling or extensive decay or otherweakness, a prosthetic crown is recommended to be placed on the tooth to protect it, prevent it from breaking and restore it to full function.

Alternatives to a Root Canal treatment

Saving your natural teeth is the very best option, if possible. Your natural teeth allow you to eat a wide variety of foods necessary to maintain proper nutrition. The root canal procedure is the treatment of choice.

The only alternative to a root canal procedure is having the tooth extracted and replaced with a bridge, implant, or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and prevent adjacent teeth from shifting. These alternatives not only are more expensive than a root canal procedure but require more treatment time and additional procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.

Your dentist will discuss the need for any additional dental work with you.