What Is Root Canal Treatment?
A procedure aimed at saving an infected tooth rather than extracting it. It involves removing the inflamed or infected nerve and pulp inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the internal canals, then filling and sealing them to prevent any further infection.
The common belief that this treatment is painful isn't accurate. Local anesthesia makes the procedure itself painless, and the pain that scares people off is usually what brought them in to begin with (the inflammation before treatment), not the treatment itself.
When Do You Need Root Canal Treatment?
There are certain signs that indicate the tooth's nerve is inflamed or infected, and that you need to act quickly before things get worse.
- Severe or persistent tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers well after eating or drinking
- Swelling or tenderness in the gum around the tooth
- Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
- Pain returning at the site of an old filling in the same tooth
If you're feeling any of these, don't put off the exam. The sooner you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
The Benefits
Saving the natural tooth. Extraction is usually the only alternative, and root canal treatment preserves the original tooth instead of replacing it.
Ending the pain. After treatment, the pain caused by nerve inflammation goes away, since its actual source has been treated.
Preventing the spread of infection. Cleaning and disinfecting the canals stops the infection from reaching the bone surrounding the tooth.
Preserving the natural shape of the jaw. Keeping the tooth prevents problems that occur after extraction, like neighboring teeth shifting over time.
Usually done in the same day. In most cases, the procedure only takes one or two sessions.
Why Top 32 Is the Right Place for It
Root canal treatment is one of those cases where timing really matters, and the natural anxiety before the visit becomes part of the experience, sometimes as much as the pain itself.
At Top 32, we address the human side of the visit before anything else, so you feel at ease before you even sit in the chair. Behind you stands a medical team with over 15 years of experience, and we rely on the latest diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the condition of the nerve accurately before treatment begins.
Your appointments are part of our planning, and since root canal treatment often calls for prompt intervention, we offer round the clock emergency support if you're hit with sudden pain. And we won't be the ones telling you the experience is great. That's a testimony written by more than 1,500 guests themselves, on Google.
The Procedure, Step by Step
1. Examination and Diagnosis
An exam of the affected tooth with X-rays to determine the extent of the inflammation and the condition of the internal canals.
2. Local Anesthesia
Fully numbing the area before starting, so you don't feel pain during the procedure.
3. Removing the Inflamed Nerve
A small opening in the tooth to access the infected pulp and remove it completely.
4. Cleaning and Disinfecting the Canals
Carefully cleaning the tooth's internal canals and making sure any bacteria or infection is fully removed.
5. Filling and Sealing the Canals
Filling the canals with a specialized material to prevent any new infection from entering in the future.
6. Restoring the Tooth
Fitting a filling or crown over the tooth depending on its condition, so it can function normally again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, so you won't feel pain during it. The pain you feel is usually from before treatment, caused by the inflammation itself.
How long does it take?
In most cases, just one or two sessions, depending on the tooth's condition and how complex the canals are.
Does the tooth stay as strong as before after root canal treatment?
The tooth stays functional, but it becomes more prone to fracture over time, which is why we usually recommend fitting a crown over it for protection, especially with molars.
What's the alternative if I decide not to get root canal treatment?
Extraction is usually the only alternative, and that opens the door to other problems, like neighboring teeth shifting over time.
Can the pain come back after treatment?
In rare cases, this can happen if a small canal was missed or an infection returns, and it would need to be reassessed by the doctor.
How much does root canal treatment cost?
It varies depending on the tooth's location and how complex the canals are. The most accurate way to know is through an exam.
If you're interested, get in touch and we'll walk you through the details.
