You’ve probably heard of it– the notorious root canal; a dental procedure known by many as a painful and long treatment. But, what exactly does this procedure entail, and why would one need it in the first place?

Root canal specifically refers to the cavity, or space where the nerve of the tooth lies. The root canal for each tooth lies deep within the tooth inside an area known as the pulp chamber.  A root canal procedure is required when a tooth has sustained significant decay, damage/trauma, or infection, that it has reached the pulp chamber. This oral treatment involves repairing or salvaging the tooth by removing the nerve and pulp inside the canal, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and finally sealing it closed.

This procedure, which is highly common and highly successful, is accomplished over the course of one or more dental visits. It involves 5 steps, which are detailed below:

1. X-Ray: The dentist will first take images to determine the shape of your root canal and examine to see if there are any signs of infection.
2. Preparation: The dentist will then place anesthesia to numb the area of treatment and may also place a rubber dam to keep the area dry and free of saliva.
3. Access Hole: A hole is then drilled into the tooth to access the root canal. The decayed nerve tissue, pulp and related debris is flushed and removed using root canal files that are inserted through the access hole.
4. Sealing: The interior of the tooth is then sealed with a paste-like rubber compound and the exterior is sealed using a filling.
5. Restoration: Once sealed, the dentist may have to restore the tooth due to the significant decay or damage that required it to have a root canal in the first place.

When a tooth has sustained decay, damage, or infection to the point it reaches the pulp, it may be referred to as a dying tooth. If a root canal is not performed on the dying tooth, then the nerve and blood vessels supplying the tooth will eventually die, and bacteria within the pulp may cause an infection beyond the tooth and into your jaw. A few signs of a dying tooth include swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold, and a bad taste in your mouth. You can prevent root canals by practicing good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing twice daily) and by visiting your dentist routinely. Now you know that if you experience swelling, or have a cracked tooth or filling, you must see your dentist immediately to avoid more serious issues, like a root canal.