No one wants to lose their permanent teeth, yet it’s estimated that about 120 million American adults are missing at least one tooth — and many are missing several. 

The fact is, root canal treatment can be a great way to save badly damaged teeth and prevent tooth loss — yet many people hesitate to have root canal treatment because they don’t understand how a root canal works or what to expect during and after their treatment.

At Yardley Dental, Philip Halper, DDS, uses state-of-the-art techniques for root canal therapy in patients at his practice in Yardley, Pennsylvania. Here’s what he wishes every patient knew about root canal treatment, including how it works, how it feels, and how it can improve your oral health.

When root canals are performed

Many cavities form in the outer layers of your teeth. These cavities usually can be treated with regular fillings or larger restorations, like onlays, inlays, or crowns. Because the tooth damage is restricted to the outer layers of tooth material, the structure of the tooth typically remains unchanged, and the tooth is still strong.

But sometimes, decay and infection happen in the deeper, interior part of your tooth — the pulp portion that contains nerves and blood vessels. Bacteria and infections spread down the narrow canals that run from the center of the tooth to the very tip of the root where it connects to your jaw bone.

These deeper infections can’t be “fixed” with a filling. They need root canal treatment to get rid of the damaged part of the tooth and restore the tooth’s strength and structure.

How root canals save damaged teeth

Root canals use special techniques to access the tooth’s pulp. Dr. Halper carefully removes the decayed part of the tooth along with the infected pulp and nerves, clearing the canals of bacteria and debris. Once the damaged part of the tooth is removed, Dr. Halper seals the cavity and fills it with a special material designed to protect the tooth and restore its strength. 

Afterward, Dr. Halper fits the tooth with a dental crown. The crown provides an additional layer of protection and stability, while also “hiding” tooth discoloration that typically occurs once the tooth pulp and nerve are removed.

Preventing serious damage

Without a root canal, the infection inside your tooth can rapidly move to your jaw bone, causing widespread infection that can move to other areas of your body and even enter your bloodstream. Sometimes, a deeply decayed tooth will break, requiring surgical excision to remove it. 

Extensive decay and damage dramatically weaken your tooth, virtually guaranteeing the tooth will fall out in the near future. Root canal treatment preserves your tooth so you can avoid tooth loss, deep infections, and surgery to remove the tooth.

What to expect during and after a root canal

Before you have a root canal, Dr. Halper numbs your tooth, preventing the nerves from sending pain signals that make you uncomfortable. If you’re really nervous about your root canal, he may prescribe a sedative to help you relax.

The root canal procedure usually takes an hour or less. Once the tooth is treated, Dr. Halper fits a temporary crown over the tooth to protect it while your permanent crown is being made. 

After your root canal, your mouth will be numb until the anesthetic wears off. You can use over-the-counter pain medicine and ice packs to relieve any minor discomfort and swelling that can occur in the very earliest stages of healing. 

While you might decide to take the day off from work, especially if you’re groggy from a sedative, many people resume their normal activities right after treatment. You’ll come back to the office in a few weeks to have the temporary crown replaced by your new permanent crown.

Don’t ignore tooth pain

About 25 million root canals are performed each year in the United States, helping millions of men and women save their natural teeth and prevent serious infections. If you have tooth pain, gum pain, or swelling, root canal treatment could be just the solution to help you keep your teeth and maintain good oral health as you get older.

To learn more about root canal treatment at Yardley Dental or if you have tooth or gum pain, call 724-271-8087 or book an appointment online today.