If you have a badly hurting tooth, a root canal can save it. Many people think root canals are scary, but modern care makes them simple and comfortable. Dr. Richardson, Dr. Mesina, Dr. Ling, and Dr. Ardestani explain what a root canal is, what happens during the visit, and why you might need one. Our goal at Bryn Mawr Dental Health Group is to help you feel calm and ready for care so you can keep your natural smile.
What Is A Root Canal
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp has nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp gets infected or badly inflamed, it can cause severe pain, swelling, and sometimes an abscess. A root canal is a common treatment that removes the infected pulp from inside the tooth roots, cleans and disinfects the space, and then seals it. This stops the infection and saves the tooth. Think of it like this: your tooth has small channels inside the roots. Bacteria can get in through a deep cavity, a crack, or an injury. If the pulp gets sick, it cannot heal on its own. A root canal gently takes out the diseased tissue, cleans the inside, and fills it with a safe material. After that, the tooth is restored so you can bite and chew again without pain. Saving your natural tooth is best when possible. It helps you keep your normal bite, protects nearby teeth from shifting, and keeps your jaw strong. With proper care, a tooth that has had a root canal can last for many years.What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure
We start by making sure you are comfortable. Here is what a typical visit looks like:- Exam and X‑rays: We take X‑rays to see the roots and the infection. This helps us plan your care.
- Numbing the tooth: We use local anesthesia to numb the area. You should feel pressure, but not sharp pain. If you feel anything, tell us. We can make you more comfortable. For anxious patients, we can discuss calming options.
- Protecting the area: We place a small shield, called a rubber dam, around the tooth. This keeps the tooth dry and clean during treatment.
- Gentle opening: We make a small opening in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp space.
- Cleaning and shaping: Using tiny instruments, we remove the infected pulp from each root canal. We shape the canals so they can be cleaned well. We also wash the area with special disinfecting solutions to kill bacteria.
- Sealing the canals: After cleaning, we fill the canals with a rubber-like material called gutta‑percha and a sealing cement. This prevents bacteria from coming back in.
- Temporary or permanent filling: We close the opening with a filling. Many teeth also need a crown to protect them from cracks, especially back teeth that do a lot of chewing. If a crown is needed, we will place a temporary filling and schedule you to return for the crown.
Reasons for Needing A Root Canal
A root canal is needed when the pulp is inflamed or infected. Common causes include deep decay that reaches the nerve, a crack or chip that lets bacteria in, injury to the tooth (even without a visible crack), or repeated dental work on the same tooth. Sometimes a large filling puts stress on a tooth, and over time, the pulp becomes damaged. You may notice warning signs, but not always. Some teeth need a root canal even with few symptoms. Watch for:- Toothache that throbs or keeps you awake, especially when chewing or pressing on the tooth
- Sensitivity to heat or cold that lingers after the source is gone
- Swelling of the gums near one tooth, a small pimple on the gum that drains, or a bad taste
- Darkening of the tooth compared to nearby teeth
- Tender or swollen jaw or face near the tooth