If the words root canal sends a shiver down your spine, you’re not alone. Somewhere along the way, this procedure got an unfair reputation as something to dread. But here’s the truth—root canals are not as bad as you think. In fact, they can be the difference between keeping your natural tooth and losing it.

At Prestige Dental, we believe in saving teeth whenever possible, and a root canal is one of the best ways to do that. If your dentist has recommended one, or if you’re just curious about what a root canal involves, let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand without the scary myths!

What Causes You to Need a Root Canal?

Your teeth are tough, but deep inside each one is a soft center called the pulp. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that keep your tooth alive. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, you’ll likely need a root canal to remove the damaged tissue and save your tooth. But what causes this infection in the first place?

1. Deep Decay (Cavities Gone Too Far):
Cavities start small, but if left untreated, they can burrow deep into your tooth, reaching the pulp. At this stage, a simple filling won’t cut it because the bacteria have already invaded the nerve, causing pain and infection.

2. Cracked or Chipped Teeth:
A cracked or chipped tooth may seem minor, but even a small opening can let bacteria sneak in and wreak havoc inside your tooth. Whether it’s from an accident, biting down on something hard, or even just years of wear and tear, an injured tooth can lead to a serious infection.

3. Repeated Dental Procedures:
If you’ve had multiple fillings or other dental work on the same tooth, the repeated stress can eventually damage the pulp, leading to inflammation and infection.

4. Gum Disease Gone Wild:
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) doesn’t just affect your gums—it can also cause infections that travel to the roots of your teeth, making a root canal necessary to prevent tooth loss.

The good news? A root canal can stop the pain and save your tooth before the damage spreads any further.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

Now that you know why a root canal might be needed, let’s talk about what actually happens during the procedure. Spoiler alert: It’s not as scary as it sounds!

1. Numbing the Area:
Your dentist will make sure you don’t feel a thing by numbing the affected tooth and surrounding area. If you’ve ever had a filling, this part will feel very familiar.

2. Creating an Access Point:
A small opening is made in the top of your tooth to reach the infected pulp inside. This allows your dentist to clean out the damaged tissue.

3. Cleaning & Disinfecting the Tooth:
Using specialized tools, the dentist carefully removes the infected pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and disinfects it to prevent further infection.

4. Filling the Tooth:
Once the inside of the tooth is completely clean, it’s filled with a biocompatible material to keep it strong and stable. Think of it as replacing the inner “guts” of the tooth with a long-lasting, protective filler.

5. Sealing & Restoring the Tooth:
After the root canal is complete, the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling or crown. In most cases, you’ll need a permanent crown later to fully restore the tooth’s strength and function.

And that’s it! You’re back on track with a healthy, pain-free tooth that can last a lifetime with proper care.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

Time is precious, and you probably want to know how long you’ll be sitting in the dental chair. The length of a root canal depends on a few factors, including the severity of the infection, the location of the tooth, and how complex the root system is.

• For a single-rooted tooth (like a front tooth): The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Since these teeth have a simpler structure, the process is often quicker and more straightforward.
• For a multi-rooted tooth (like a molar): Expect to spend 60 to 90 minutes in the chair. Molars have multiple canals, which means more cleaning and shaping, requiring extra time and precision.

In most cases, a root canal can be completed in one visit. However, if the infection is severe, your dentist may schedule a second appointment. This allows time for additional cleaning, medication inside the tooth to eliminate bacteria, and monitoring to ensure no infection remains before sealing the tooth permanently.

Additionally, some factors can extend the procedure time, such as:

• Curved or narrow root canals: These make it more challenging for the dentist to clean and fill the area properly.
• Presence of a severe infection or abscess: If the infection has spread, your dentist may need to drain it before completing the treatment.
• Unexpected complications: In rare cases, extra cleaning or adjustments to the tooth’s structure may require additional time.

Though the procedure may take a bit of time, remember that the goal is to save your tooth and relieve pain. A little patience in the chair can mean avoiding bigger dental problems down the road!

Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which One is Better?

A root canal is designed to save your natural tooth, but in some cases, extraction might be the only option. Tooth extraction may be necessary if the damage is too severe, the tooth is too weak to be restored, or the infection has spread beyond repair.

That said, keeping your natural tooth is always the best option when possible. Losing a tooth can lead to shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and even bone loss in the jaw. If extraction is needed, we’ll discuss tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges to keep your smile healthy.

The Bottom Line: Root Canals Aren’t the Enemy

Root canals have been misunderstood for too long. They’re not a punishment or a medieval torture technique—they’re a modern dental solution that can save your tooth and relieve pain. If you’ve been told you need a root canal, don’t panic! With today’s advanced techniques and anesthesia, the procedure is straightforward, comfortable, and highly successful.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or suspect you may need a root canal, don’t wait. Ignoring the problem will only make things worse! Schedule an appointment with Prestige Dental today and let’s keep your smile healthy and strong.