What is a root canal? 

This treatment aims to eliminate an infection that is affecting a vital tooth. This infection is situated in the centre of the tooth, in a soft tissue known as dental pulp. The dentist needs to access the canals located in the roots of the tooth, the “root canals”, to extirpate this tissue and control the infection. Once the pulp is completely removed, the dentist cleans the canals to ensure no bacteria survive inside the tooth.

Do I need a root canal?

Root canals are one of the most common procedures in restorative dentistry. Dentists indicate root canal treatments whenever the dental pulp is infected. The pulp contains the nerves and blood vessels that keep teeth alive, so when bacteria attack this tissue, it defends itself with inflammation, which usually triggers pain. In most cases, this infection is caused by:

 

• Dental trauma: fractures can expose the dental pulp to the oral cavity, making it easy for bacteria in saliva to spread in this tissue. In addition, some dental emergencies like lost or loose teeth require root canal treatments.
• Long-standing dental decay: deep cavities can infect the dental pulp. On some occasions, these cavities provoke pain, but in most cases, they don’t present any signs or symptoms and are only spotted by the dentist during a check-up visit.

How many sessions does a root canal treatment take?

This varies from patient to patient. Many root canal treatments can be completed in only one appointment (significantly when front teeth are affected), but in some cases, the treatment can be divided into two sessions. Some of the reasons why the dentist might decide this are:

• Treatment complexity: some cases require considerable chair time, so dentists prefer to complete the treatment in two sessions.
• Uncertain results: sometimes dentists are unsure about treatment success, so it’s better to wait a couple of weeks to see how the tooth reacts to the treatment before permanently sealing the canals.

State-of-the-art equipment

Our dentists use cutting-edge technology to get precise results. They perform root canal treatments under a dental microscope (Zeiss microscope), enabling the dentist to reach all the canals with little effort. Canal entries can be invisible to the naked eye, so these magnifying glasses are crucial to cleaning all canals.

 

Does it hurt getting a root canal treatment?

Root canals are a complicated procedure that should be carried out by a meticulous professional. But in the right hands, this treatment shouldn’t be painful at all. A skilful dentist will ensure that the area is correctly numbed before starting the procedure and use the proper equipment to provide the best results. 

However, it is normal to experience some discomfort during the treatment, especially during the pulp extirpation and the cleaning of the canal. For this reason, the dentist can indicate over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate any pain that this procedure can cause.

 

Alternatives

The only viable alternative to root canal treatment is permanently extracting the affected tooth. Although this option may seem more straightforward (and lower-priced), it doesn’t have any real benefit in the long run. Shortly after the extraction, the patient will have to replace the missing tooth, which in most cases is more expensive and time-consuming than root canal treatment.

 

Bridge Dental is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enables us to provide the dental attention you deserve. If you feel you can benefit from this type of treatment or have some questions about the procedure, schedule a consultation with our team, so we can examine your case and answer all your questions!