What is a Root Canal?

Root Canal

Inside of our teeth is connective tissue and cells called odontoblasts—or tooth pulp. This pulp has the potential of becoming infected or abscessed due to extensive dental procedures, a chip or crack in the tooth, facial trauma, larger fillings, or deep decay. If you experience issues like this, we might recommend a root canal treatment.

Root canal therapy is a fairly simple procedure that can be completed in one appointment. Essentially, our dentists will remove the decayed pulp from within your tooth, clean and disinfect the area, and reshape the root canals. Finally, we will place a filling in the tooth to prevent further decay. Sometimes, if the tooth is severely damaged by the decay, we will fit it with a crown for long-term protection.

Patient Testimonial

Loved it is an understatement. I have been going here for at least 10+years. Have had multiple root canals, fillings, crowns, you name it and I have had it done. I have always been extremely happy every time I walk out that door. Most recently was in an accident that involved splitting my front tooth in half and Dr. Egbert did an amazing job at putting me back together. I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. I love them all!

Heather P.

Additional Information on Root Canals

Will It Be Painful to Have a Root Canal Procedure?

milford dentist root canal

Root canals are a method for saving severely infected or decayed teeth. Root canals are needed when an infection, which may have been only a toothache, in the beginning, forms an abscess which spreads throughout the root of the tooth. A root canal procedure, done by an endodontist or dentist, cleanses the inside of the tooth, and removes the nerve and pulp present inside the root canal, saving the tooth.

Due to misconceptions and myths, some people are scared by the idea of a root canal. We’re going to explain what root canal therapy involves and tackle a typical question about having one done:

Are Root Canals Painful?

You’ll often hear root canals being depicted as extremely painful but this isn’t true. Advancements in technology and anesthetics in dental procedures have made root canal therapy pretty much hassle- and pain-free. Patients can look forward to less discomfort and shorter recovery times than they may have had in the past.

What to Expect

Root canal therapy might not be as intimidating if you know what it involves going into it. Your dentist or endodontist will numb the tooth with local anesthesia, to keep you from feeling any pain. While there can be some rare situations where anesthetic may not be 100% effective because of issues such as abscesses, the dentist will ordinarily prescribe antibiotics ahead of time to avoid them from happening.

When the procedure is completed and all of the infection and bacteria are removed from the tooth, your dentist will remove the tooth’s nerve, a soothing agent will be added, and a temporary filling will be used to close it up. Any discomfort the patient feels when the procedure is done should go away in 24 hours as whatever remains of the infection is eliminated by the immune system. The area could have slight tenderness for a few days afterward.

What If There’s Pain After the Root Canal?

Whenever the gums are inflamed, it’s possible to experience pain or discomfort. While the endodontist or dentist may have eliminated the nerve of the tooth, the nerves in the areas around it are still there, and the tissue can get swollen and cause discomfort.

In any case, remember that it’s unusual to experience significant pain that lasts longer than a couple of days. If you are experiencing pain like this, you should call your dentist right away.

Have a tooth that has you concerned? Schedule your next visit to have it looked at by one of our dentists here at Milford Dental Excellence.