A root canal involves removing the infected, damaged or dead pulp from inside the tooth. When it succeeds, it makes it possible to keep the natural tooth rather than having it extracted, which keeps the other teeth from losing their alignment. An assessment determines whether the situation allows it.
When the nerve of a tooth is infected, successful root canal treatment makes it possible to keep the tooth instead of having it extracted.
Keeping the natural tooth prevents the other teeth from losing their alignment and causing jaw problems, and avoids having to replace it with an artificial tooth.
Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, involves removing infected, damaged or dead pulp from the tooth. The space inside the hard layers of the tooth is called the canal; it is filled with a soft tissue, the dental pulp, which holds the nerves and blood vessels.
Bacteria that enter the tooth through deep decay, a crack or a damaged filling can lead to an abscess. It is the infection of the pulp that causes it, and the pulp then has to be removed.
An abscess can cause pain or inflammation. The dentist may detect the infection on an X-ray or by observing other changes in the tooth. Without treatment, an abscess can lead to serious oral health problems.
Several signs are reasons to have a tooth assessed: pain that lasts or comes back for no apparent reason, sensitivity to heat that persists after the source is removed, pain under pressure or when chewing, swelling of the gum, or a tooth that darkens.
None of these signs is conclusive on its own: it is the exam and the X-ray that establish whether the pulp is affected.
The tooth is anaesthetized and then isolated with a dam, so the work happens in a clean field: that is what keeps bacteria from saliva out of the canals during the procedure.
The treatment can take more than one appointment depending on the tooth and its condition; molars have more canals than front teeth. Between appointments, a temporary filling closes the tooth.
A treated tooth becomes more fragile because it has been hollowed out: a permanent restoration, often a crown, is usually planned afterwards to protect it.
Sensitivity to pressure is common for a few days, while the tissues around the root settle.
It is better not to chew on that side until the permanent restoration is placed. Call the clinic if the pain increases instead of easing, or if swelling appears.
A root canal, or endodontic treatment, relieves the pain caused by an infected pulp — what is commonly called a raging toothache — and makes it possible to keep your natural tooth instead of extracting it. Pain that persists, sensitivity to heat, a swollen gum or a tooth that darkens are signs to have assessed without waiting. In case of severe pain, our dental emergency service offers a same-day consultation. Our Repentigny clinic also welcomes patients from Charlemagne, Le Gardeur and L’Assomption.
The treatments that aim to restore the shape and the function of an affected tooth.
A filling restores a tooth affected by decay or a small fracture. Faced with a cavity, the dentist may decide to monitor how it develops or to restore the tooth right away: significant decay left unrestored can deepen and cause pain. The choice of material depends on the condition of the tooth.
A crown is a hollow artificial tooth that covers a damaged one: it restores its shape, appearance and function, and protects it from further damage. It may be needed after a root canal, after a large filling, or when a tooth has broken. An assessment confirms whether it is the right option.
The information presented is general and does not replace an assessment by a professional.
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