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The very phrase “root canal” sends shivers up one’s spine. Although this common dental procedure is synonymous with excruciating pain, the actual experience, thankfully, doesn’t live up to its reputation.

Work on the tooth’s root canal is necessary when a tooth has becomes seriously decayed or infected. In such cases, the dentist removes the pulp and nerve from inside the tooth (the “root canal”), cleans the cavity and seals it. The root canal procedure prevents infection from spreading to surrounding tissue and causing even more serious problems.

Root canal procedures have a high rate of success — in the neighborhood of 95%. Once the dentist has determined root canal work is necessary, the procedure typically occurs over the span of one or two weeks. After the debris is removed from the tooth, it may be left unsealed, giving any infection time to resolve. Later, a permanent filling/crown is applied, and in some cases, further restoration or cosmetic treatments may be done.

Root canal work is not particularly painful. In the days following the procedure, patients may experience discomfort and heightened sensitivity that can normally be eased by over the counter pain medications.

Symptoms that may indicate a root canal procedure is necessary –

• Tooth discoloration
• Swelling, tenderness in the gums
• Persistent toothache, teeth sensitive to the touch or when chewing
• Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold temperature

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Tags: dental care, dental restoration, dentistry, Endodontics, pain, root canal, Tooth

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 6:48 am and is filed under dental procedures. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.