Root Canal Therapy
At Morgan Heights Dental Centre, we prioritize saving your natural teeth whenever possible, and Root Canal Therapy (RCT) is one of the most effective ways to do so. Root canals not only relieve pain but also restore the function of a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. Let’s dive into why you might need a root canal and what the procedure involves.
Why Do We Need Root Canal Treatment?
Inside each tooth is a soft tissue called the dental pulp. This pulp is the vital part of the tooth, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. It helps nourish the tooth during its development, but once fully grown, the tooth can function without the pulp. However, when the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, lead to more severe dental issues.
A crown protects your tooth by restoring, supporting, and aesthetic improvements
Dental Nerve Pathology: What Happens to the Pulp?
There are various conditions that can affect the dental pulp, and understanding them can help clarify when a root canal is necessary:
Pulp Hyperemia: This is the early stage of pulp irritation, often caused by deep decay or trauma. At this point, the pulp is inflamed but may still be able to heal on its own if the irritant is removed.
Reversible Pulpitis: At this stage, the pulp becomes more inflamed, causing pain when exposed to hot or cold. However, with proper care, the pulp can still recover without needing a root canal.
Irreversible Pulpitis: This occurs when the inflammation has progressed to the point where the pulp cannot heal. Symptoms include lingering pain when exposed to cold or hot, and the only solution is to remove the damaged pulp through root canal therapy.
Necrotic Pulp: At this advanced stage, the pulp has died (become necrotic). Interestingly, a necrotic pulp can be completely asymptomatic in some cases, or it may lead to severe pain and infection, such as a periapical abscess—a painful condition where pus forms at the tip of the tooth's root.
Symptoms of Irreversible Pulpitis and Necrotic Pulp
Irreversible Pulpitis:
Lingering pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures
Sensitivity that doesn't go away after the source of heat or cold is removed
Possible pain when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth
Necrotic Pulp:
In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all
In more severe cases, it can lead to a periapical abscess, which causes:
Severe pain
Swelling in the gum or face
Tenderness in the surrounding bone and tissue
The Solution: Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth is diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis or a necrotic pulp, the only way to save the tooth and prevent further infection is to remove the damaged tissue through root canal treatment (RCT).
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy involves the removal of the infected or damaged dental pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent reinfection. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
Local Anesthesia: The area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure the procedure is completely painless.
Removing the Pulp: We create a small access hole in the tooth and carefully remove the damaged or infected pulp from the root canals.
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals: The root canals are cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to ensure all traces of infection are eliminated.
Filling the Canals: The cleaned canals are filled with a biocompatible material (often gutta-percha) to seal the space and prevent future infection.
Final Restoration: Most teeth will require a crown after root canal therapy to restore strength, functionality, and protect the tooth from fracturing.
Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?
Many patients fear that root canal therapy will be painful, but the truth is that it’s a painless treatment when performed under local anesthesia. In fact, the procedure is often more comfortable than dealing with the pain of an infection or abscess. Most patients report that undergoing a root canal feels similar to getting a filling.
Why is a Crown Often Necessary After a Root Canal?
After root canal treatment, the tooth is more fragile because the inner pulp has been removed. Without a crown, the tooth is at risk of cracking or breaking. A custom-made crown helps protect and strengthen the tooth, allowing it to function like a normal, healthy tooth.
At Morgan Heights Dental Centre, we are committed to providing the highest level of care during root canal treatment. Our goal is to relieve your pain and restore your tooth’s function, helping you maintain your natural teeth for as long as possible. If you’re experiencing any symptoms or have been told you need a root canal, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
Contact us for an assessment and review the best treatment plan for you.
