Root canal treatment is the dental procedure done to remove the tooth’s pulp which has become infected with bacteria. The teeth have an enamel layer on the outside and a second layer of dentin. It also has a soft centre core known as the pulp.
The pulp extends into the roots. The pulp consists of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. The cells in the pulpal connective tissue help the tooth to repair the dentine when stimulated by external triggers, such as bacteria.
These cells are also responsible for forming the roots of the teeth during childhood. When decay reaches the pulp, it can become inflamed, infected or necrotic.
Root Canal Treatment Simplified
During a root canal procedure, the dentist will:
- Remove the decay within the tooth
- Remove the pulp tissue and bacteria from the root canals
- Use disinfectants inside the root canal system and antimicrobial dressings
- Fill the hollow root canals
- Fill and seal the tooth to ensure bacterial contamination of the root canals is prevented
- Root canal treatment is usually performed under high magnification with loupes or a dental operating microscope
Root canal treatment can be carried out by a dentist or a specialist called an endodontist. Root canal treatment can help ensure the tooth can be maintained. A tooth that has undergone root canal is often covered with a crown.
Telltale Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment
So what are the telltale signs that you may need a root canal treatment?
The only way to know for sure if you need root canal treatment is to visit your dentist.
Persistent pain
Persistent spontaneous pain is one of the signs that indicate root canal treatment might be needed. The pain can be felt deep in the bone of the tooth and usually pulsates. It is also possible to feel referred pain in other parts of the jaw, face, or other teeth. The pain is often worse at night and may be worsened or triggered by ingesting hot liquids (coffee or soup).
Toothache can be attributed to:
- A cavity
- Gum disease
- A damaged filling or crown
- An impacted tooth that might be infected
- Nocturnal bruxism (teeth grinding)
Swollen gums
If the gum near the painful tooth is swollen, it may be an indication that root canal treatment might be needed. The gum can be tender to the touch and the swelling may involve the external tissues (like the cheek or the lip). Some will also have a little pimple on the gum. This is commonly referred to as an abscess, or gum boil.
Cracked or chipped tooth
If your tooth cracks or chips because of an accident, bacteria can set in and result in infection and inflammation of the pulp. When the pulp becomes inflamed and causes sensitivity and pain, root canal treatment might be recommended.
Tooth discoloration
An infection in the tooth’s pulp can cause tooth discoloration. Internal bleeding from the pulp can make the affected tooth appear grayish-black, while scarified dentine may cause a yellowish appearance. While tooth discoloration has other possible causes, it is always a wise idea to visit your dentist.
