Finding out you need a root canal might sound like a scary prospect, but in reality, this dental procedure is performed on millions of patients each year. In fact, root canals are one of the most common operations performed at most dentist offices.

However, if you still have reservations, Aina Haina Dental Group in Honolulu, HI, would like to help you get familiar with the procedure, so you feel more comfortable on the day of your treatment.

A Guide to Understanding Root Canals

A root canal involves the pulp-filled cavity in the root of a tooth. When the pulp—the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue—becomes inflamed or infected, your dentist must remove it to save the surrounding tooth.

Since fully grown teeth no longer rely on their pulp for nourishment, removing it will not cause any harm to the tooth. The only difference you might notice in your day-to-day life is that the tooth can no longer sense when something is hot or cold.

During the procedure, your dentist will remove the nerve and pulp, then clean, disinfect, and shape the inside of the root canal. Finally, they will fill and seal it with a rubber-like material known as “gutta-percha.”

Why Do You Need One?

Usually, teeth do not develop the need for a root canal overnight. Often, this procedure is only necessary after a patient has deep tooth decay, or has already had several dental procedures performed on the affected tooth. They could have also sustained a mouth injury that resulted in pulp damage with or without any visible chips or cracks.

What Are the Symptoms?

In addition to pain, an inflamed pulp and nerve damage can cause a prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, and tenderness when chewing. You might also experience sensitive lymph nodes and bone and gum tissue near the affected tooth. In some instances, there are no warning signs of the need for a root canal.

When you develop symptoms of nerve and pulp damage, it’s best not to ignore them—doing so could lead to an abscess. These pus-filled pockets form when the infection spreads past the ends of the tooth root, causing facial swelling, bone loss, and drainage into the gums or cheek.

If you have one or more teeth that might require a root canal, contact the family dentistry office of Aina Haina Dental Group today. Schedule an appointment by calling their office at (808) 373-2184, or visit their website to learn more about their general dentistry services.