Root Canal Treatment: Symptoms, Procedure & Saving a Tooth
When the tissue inside a tooth becomes severely inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be recommended to remove the damaged tissue, clean the inside of the tooth and preserve the natural tooth whenever possible.
A root canal may be considered when the pulp inside a tooth has been significantly damaged by deep decay, a crack, trauma or infection. Symptoms can include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, tenderness or a pimple-like area on the gums, although some teeth may have few obvious symptoms.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Inside each tooth is a space containing soft tissue commonly called the dental pulp. This tissue contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.
If the pulp becomes severely inflamed, infected or damaged, it may no longer be able to recover.
Root canal treatment removes the affected tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the internal spaces and seals them so the tooth can remain in the mouth.
What Symptoms Can Point to a Root Canal Problem?
Not every toothache means you need a root canal, but certain symptoms deserve evaluation.
Persistent or severe tooth pain
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
Pain when biting or chewing
Swelling or tenderness near a tooth
A pimple-like bump on the gums
A tooth that has become discolored after injury or trauma
Some teeth with significant pulp damage may cause little or no discomfort, which is why examination and dental imaging can be important when a problem is suspected.
Why Would a Tooth Need Root Canal Treatment?
The pulp inside a tooth can become damaged for several reasons.
Common causes include:
Deep tooth decay
A cracked or fractured tooth
Trauma or injury to the tooth
Infection involving the pulp or tissues around the root
Repeated dental treatment on the same tooth in some situations
Can a Root Canal Save a Tooth?
That is the main purpose of root canal treatment.
When a tooth can be predictably restored, treating the infected or damaged tissue inside the tooth may allow the natural tooth to remain in place rather than being extracted.
Whether a tooth can be saved depends on more than the nerve alone. Dr. Christine Chin will also consider how much healthy tooth structure remains, the condition of the root, surrounding bone and gums, and whether the tooth can be restored afterward.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
The tooth is first evaluated to confirm that root canal treatment is appropriate.
Local anesthetic is typically used to keep the area comfortable. The tooth is isolated, and an opening is made so the canals inside the tooth can be accessed.
The inflamed or infected pulp tissue is removed, and the canals are carefully cleaned and shaped.
The internal spaces are then filled and sealed with dental materials designed for root canal treatment.
The exact number of appointments can vary depending on the tooth and the condition being treated.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but the treatment itself is performed with local anesthetic.
Many patients seek treatment because the tooth is already painful or inflamed. The purpose of root canal treatment is to address the source of that problem.
Some tenderness or sensitivity can occur after treatment, particularly when the tissues around the tooth were already inflamed.
If you are nervous about root canal treatment, tell us. Dr. Chin and the Cedar Hills Dental Care team will explain what is happening and work with you to keep the visit as comfortable as possible.
Will I Need a Crown After a Root Canal?
Sometimes—but not every root canal-treated tooth automatically requires the same restoration.
Back teeth in particular can lose significant structure from decay, cracks, previous fillings and the access needed for root canal treatment. Those teeth may benefit from a crown or other restoration that provides additional protection.
The appropriate restoration depends on the location of the tooth, how much healthy structure remains, your bite and the condition of the tooth after treatment.
Dr. Chin can explain what type of final restoration is recommended and why.
Root Canal or Extraction: Which Is Better?
There is no one answer for every tooth.
If a tooth can be successfully treated and restored, preserving the natural tooth may be a good option. In other situations, the tooth may be too damaged, fractured or compromised to restore predictably, and extraction may need to be considered.
Dr. Chin can evaluate the tooth and help you understand the advantages, limitations and next steps for each option.
What Happens After Root Canal Treatment?
The tooth will usually need a final restoration after root canal treatment so it can function properly and be protected based on its condition.
You may be asked to avoid chewing heavily on the tooth until the final restoration is completed.
Continue brushing, cleaning between your teeth and attending regular dental examinations so Dr. Chin can monitor the treated tooth and the surrounding tissues over time.
Tooth Pain Evaluation Near Beaverton
Cedar Hills Dental Care has cared for more than 10,000 smiles since 1986. Dr. Christine Chin brings more than 35 years of dental experience to evaluating painful and damaged teeth and helping patients understand the treatment options available to them.
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Cracked Tooth: Symptoms, Treatment & When to Call a Dentist
This information is intended for general dental education and is not a substitute for an examination or individualized dental advice.