Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, removes infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that can become inflamed due to deep decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures, or trauma.
Depending on how much tooth structure remains, dental crowns in Hamilton may be recommended to protect a tooth after root canal treatment.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
A tooth that needs root canal treatment can cause different symptoms.
Common signs include:
- Persistent or severe toothache
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or tenderness around the tooth
- A pimple or bump on the gum
- Tooth discoloration
- A cracked or badly damaged tooth
- Swelling caused by a dental abscess
Not every infected tooth causes severe pain. An examination and dental X-rays may be needed to identify the problem.
What Causes the Inside of a Tooth to Become Infected?
The dental pulp is protected by the harder outer layers of the tooth. If bacteria reach the pulp, inflammation or infection can develop.
Common causes include deep tooth decay, a cracked tooth, trauma, repeated treatment on the same tooth and leakage around an older filling or restoration. Once the pulp is severely damaged or infected, it cannot always recover on its own.
How We Determine If You Need Root Canal Treatment
Tooth pain does not automatically mean you need a root canal. Your dentist will first examine the tooth, discuss your symptoms and review your dental history. Dental X-rays may be used to check the root, surrounding bone and signs of infection.
We also consider how much healthy tooth structure remains and whether the tooth can be restored successfully. If another treatment is more appropriate, we will explain that before proceeding.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
Modern root canal therapy is performed using local anesthetic to keep the treatment area numb.
The procedure is intended to treat the source of tooth pain rather than cause it. You may notice pressure during treatment, but significant pain should not be expected when adequate anesthesia has been achieved.
Some tenderness around the tooth can occur afterward and usually improves as the area heals.
Will I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Some teeth require a dental crown after root canal treatment, particularly back teeth that handle greater chewing pressure.
Removing damaged tissue and treating a badly decayed tooth can leave less healthy tooth structure behind. A crown can help protect a weakened tooth from fracture and restore its shape and function.
Other teeth may be restored with a permanent filling. Your dentist will recommend the restoration based on the condition and location of your tooth.
Root Canal Treatment or Tooth Extraction?
Saving a natural tooth is usually preferred when the tooth has a reasonable chance of remaining healthy and functional. Root canal therapy may allow an infected tooth to remain in place without removing it.
However, treatment may not be suitable when a tooth is severely fractured, has insufficient healthy structure or has another problem that significantly affects its prognosis. If the tooth cannot reasonably be saved, your dentist will discuss tooth extraction and the next steps with you.
Root canal Recovery Time
Most people can return to normal daily activities shortly after root canal treatment. Mild tenderness or sensitivity around the treated tooth may last for a few days and usually improves gradually. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until your dentist confirms that the final filling or crown is in place. Contact your dentist if you develop severe pain, increasing swelling, fever, or symptoms that do not improve.
