What Is a Root Canal?

Endo” is the Greek word for “inside” and “odont” is Greek for “tooth.” Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth. Root canal treatment is one type of endodontic treatment. 

To help you better understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel is a hard layer called the dentin, the soft tissue is called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth’s growth and development. Once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Why would I need an endodontic procedure?

Endodontic treatment is necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, becomes inflamed or infected. The inflammation or infection can have a variety of causes: deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth. In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess.

What are the signs of needing endodontic treatment?

Signs to look for include pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, tenderness to touch and chewing, discoloration of the tooth, and swelling, drainage and tenderness in the lymph nodes as well as nearby bone and gum tissues. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all

Will I feel pain during or after the procedure?

Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they are comfortable during the procedure.

For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Follow your instructions carefully.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

During the procedure, Dr Chang will numb your tooth, then drill an opening into the pulp chamber. He will remove any decay and bacteria, clean out the roots, and remove the nerve. Then, he will clean the canals that will be later filled with a rubber material. 

Depending on the extent of your tooth decay, Dr Chang may recommend a crown to restore your tooth to prevent it from sustaining further damages. 

After the procedure, you can expect sensitivity and discomfort around your tooth, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications. In general, most patients return to their normal routines the next day. 

Looking for the best dentist in Honolulu, HI, to perform your root canal? Turn to the experts at Dentaworks Hawaii. Whether you need teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry, teeth cleaning, or anything in between, they are the most trusted service on the islands. Call them today at (808) 528-1200 or visit their website for more information on their family dentistry services.