Root Canal Treatment:
Everything You Need to Know
If you're dealing with constant tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, root canal treatment might be the solution.
While the term might sound intimidating, the truth is that root canal treatment is a safe
and comfortable way to save your natural tooth!
At A. DENT, we make sure you fully understand your treatment options and feel at ease every step of the way.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth that is infected or severely damaged inside.
Each tooth has a soft core called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. If that pulp becomes infected due to deep decay, a crack, or trauma, it can lead to severe pain and even spread infection to other areas.
Instead of removing the whole tooth, a root canal treatment removes the infection inside the tooth, cleans and seals it, and restores the tooth with a filling or crown. This keeps your natural tooth in place, functioning just like before.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
You may need a root canal if you experience:
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Severe, lingering toothache
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Pain when biting or chewing
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Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away
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Swollen or tender gums near the tooth
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A small bump or pimple on the gums
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Tooth discoloration or darkening
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A cracked or chipped tooth with pain
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. The longer the infection sits untreated, the more damage it can cause, and the higher the chance of losing the tooth.
Step-by-Step: How a Root Canal Works
Many people are surprised at how straightforward and painless a root canal actually is. Here's what to expect:
1. Diagnosis
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We begin with an exam and X-rays to confirm the infection and assess the condition of the tooth.
2. Numbing the Area
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Local anesthesia is applied, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure — just slight pressure, similar to getting a filling.
3. Cleaning the Tooth
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Dental caries, or tooth decay, is removed from the tooth. A small opening is then made in the tooth, and the infected pulp and nerves are carefully removed.
4. Shaping and Disinfecting
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We clean and shape the root canals, removing all bacteria and infected tissues.
5. Filling the Tooth
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The space is filled with a biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha) to seal the canals and prevent reinfection.
6. Restoration
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After the root canal, a crown or large filling is placed to strengthen and protect the tooth from further damage.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
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Pain relief: Ends the source of infection and pain
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Tooth preservation: Keeps your natural tooth instead of extracting it
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Normal function: You’ll be able to chew and speak as usual
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No gap in your smile: Keeps your teeth aligned and your smile intact
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Cost-effective: Avoids more complex (and expensive) treatments like implants or bridges
Common Myths
(and the Truth)
How Long Does It Take to Finish the Treatment?
“Root canals are painful.”
Thanks to modern techniques and anesthesia, most patients say the procedure feels similar to a regular filling.
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Most root canal treatments are completed in a single or multiple visits, depending on the complexity.
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After the final restoration (crown or filling), your tooth will function normally for many years — sometimes even for life.
“It’s better to just pull the tooth.”
Keeping your natural tooth is almost always the best choice for long-term oral health, chewing ability, and preventing bone loss in the jaw.
Aftercare Tips
After your root canal, it’s important to:
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Avoid chewing on the treated side until your final crown is placed.
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Brush and floss gently around the area.
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Take prescribed medication (if any) as directed.
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Follow up with your dentist for any adjustments or final restorations.
When to Call the Dentist?
Contact us if you have:
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Severe pain that doesn’t improve after a few days.
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Swelling that gets worse.
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Trouble biting down or chewing.
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A crown that feels loose or falls off.