Although the thought of getting a root canal sounds daunting, the procedure is common, with millions of them performed in the United States every year. The nonsurgical procedure is only mildly invasive and can save an infected tooth, relieving pain and restoring oral health. To ease your mind and prepare you for an appointment with a dentist, here's a closer look at the procedure. 

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the infected pulp inside a tooth to prevent pain and infection. This nerve tissue may have become damaged by a cavity, a serious crack, or trauma to the face. 

When a tooth starts to decay, the area inside is more susceptible to the spread of bacteria and abscess growth. Fully grown teeth don’t need the internal nerve to stay healthy, and eradicating the pulp prevents the condition from worsening and relieves pain.      

What Happens During the Procedure?

Either a dentist or endodontist can perform a root canal. First, you’re given a local anesthesia to numb the tooth, and a rubber dam is placed to block saliva and keep the area dry. Next, an opening is drilled into the tooth to access the pulp. All diseased tissue is removed from the hole using small tools to scrub the surfaces, and then the interior is cleaned and disinfected. To ensure no remnants are left behind, water or sodium hypochlorite is sprayed into your mouth to rinse away debris. 

Depending on the circumstances, your dentist may want to wait a few days before sealing the tooth and place a temporary filling instead. When the tooth is ready, it’s filled with a rubber material called gutta-percha and sealed. 

In most cases, a crown is placed on top of the tooth. It can take a few weeks to customize, but when it’s ready, it will be set in place to help restore the natural shape of your smile.  

When Do You Need One?

There are many signs you can look out for to decide if you may need a root canal. Possible indications include tooth sensitivity to hot and cold or discomfort when chewing. 

You can also take a close look at your gums. If you notice pimples on the tissue, discoloration, or swelling, these could be symptoms of serious decay. Lastly, any trauma to the face that leads to a cracked or chipped tooth makes it vulnerable to bacteria growth, so you should have it checked out to determine the best repair options. 

If you think you may need a root canal, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dentist. High Point Smile Dentistry is dedicated to improving their patients' oral health to relieve pain and restore comfort. The practice uses advanced equipment and methods to make procedures as quick and painless as possible with minimal recovery time. To make an appointment in the Piedmont Triad, NC, area, call (336) 884-4000. Visit their website to learn more about their services.