Pain-Reducing Root Canal Therapy

Our dentists will reshape the canal, fill it with a rubber-like material called gutta- percha, and seal the tooth. You'll be happy to learn that more than 90% of root canal therapies are successful.

An area of soft tissues called the pulp tissue lie within the dentin underneath your tooth's outer enamel. A tooth's pulp tissue contains nerve fibers, veins, arteries, connective tissues and lymph vessels. Each tooth's nerve enters the tooth at the tip of its roots, and then runs through the center of the root in small "root canals," which join up with the tooth’s pulp chamber. 

Why do I feel pain?

The pulp of your tooth may become infected or inflamed due to a fracture or deep cavity. This may stop blood supply to the tooth and the pulp may die. Dead or damaged pulp causes increased flow of blood in the tooth's cells. The pressure built within the tooth cannot be relieved, causing pain while chewing and biting.

What is root canal therapy?

It is a procedure to remove dead or damaged pulp. In this procedure, the canal is reshaped and filled with a rubber-like material to prevent recontamination. After the procedure, the tooth is permanently sealed.

What is involved in root canal therapy?

Root canal therapy involves reshaping of the infected canal and cleaning of all the diseased pulp. Medication is inserted in the area to fight bacterial infection. The crown is then sealed temporarily to safeguard the tooth against recontamination. The pulp chamber and canals are filled at the patient's next visit. Sometimes, a post is inserted above the canal filling if the tooth is weak to help rebuild the tooth. Once it is filled, the area is sealed permanently. A porcelain or gold crown is put over the tooth to strengthen its structure. 

How will I feel after treatment? 

There may be inflammation around the gum tissues resulting in discomfort for a few days. However, this can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever. A follow-up visit to the dentist will help you determine how the tissue is healing. You will have to brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist for routine cleaning and examination.

Are there options to root canal therapy? 

The other alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction. However, this can cause the surrounding teeth to move. Extraction of tooth may seem less expensive, but you may need an implant or a bridge for the empty space. This can be expensive than the root canal treatment.