Root canal therapy, often simply called a root canal, is a dental procedure designed to save and repair a severely damaged or infected tooth. This treatment becomes necessary when the pulp, the soft tissue inside your tooth, becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep decay, cracks, repeated dental procedures, or trauma. The term “root canal” often evokes fear with many of our patients, but this treatment offers tooth-saving, pain-relieving capabilities. Horizon Family Dental Care can provide you with a root canal in our Baltimore, MD, dental office.
You can benefit from root canal therapy if you’re suffering from a painful infection or a severely damaged tooth. We’ll remove infected tissue that causes pain while we ensure you feel comfortable throughout your treatment.
Who Needs a Root Canal?
We’ll recommend a root canal for patients experiencing:
- Severe tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Swelling around the gums
- A throbbing sensation around a tooth
- Swelling of the jaw
- An abscess on the gums
All these symptoms indicate pulp inflammation or infection. A tooth that is broken, cracked, chipped, or severely decayed can become infected easily. This exposes the interior of the tooth, the pulp, to bacteria present in the mouth.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, contact your Baltimore dentist. We’ll try to get you in as soon as possible for X-rays and clinical examination to diagnose you and see if you need a root canal.
The Root Canal Procedure in Baltimore, MD
A root canal is often the best way to preserve your tooth if an infection has reached the nerves and cells inside your tooth. While many patients can feel nervous about this procedure, we want you to feel comfortable throughout the process. You can get gentle root canal treatment in several steps:
- Anesthesia: Your Baltimore dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. We’ll ensure you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. While you may feel pressure, you won’t feel pain.
- Accessing the Dental Pulp: Then our dentist will create a small opening in the crown of your tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals. The infected or damaged pulp is then removed from the tooth with special tools. Our dentist will clean the root canals, disinfecting the inner tooth and removing any remaining bacteria.
- Filling: Once your tooth is clean, our dentist wills the empty root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This material seals the tooth from the inside to prevent future infection.
- Restoration: You’ll most likely need a dental crown to strengthen and protect the weakened tooth structure. Your teeth may be weakened from decay and may need extra support. A crown will fully cover and strengthen your tooth.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
When a tooth is badly infected or damaged, you may wonder whether it’s better to remove it or try to save it. While a tooth extraction might seem like the faster or simpler option, dentists usually recommend preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. Root canal therapy is often the preferred choice because it saves your tooth and helps maintain the health of your entire mouth.
Root canals offer several important advantages. By keeping your natural tooth, you protect the alignment of your other teeth. When a tooth is removed, nearby teeth can slowly shift into the empty space, leading to bite problems or crowding. A root canal also allows you to continue chewing comfortably so you can maintain good nutrition. Saving your natural tooth supports your facial structure and prevents the sunken appearance that can happen over time with missing teeth.
On the other hand, extracting a tooth without replacing it can cause several problems. Gaps in your smile may affect your confidence, but they can also create dental health issues. Without a tooth root in place, the jawbone may begin to shrink, which weakens your bite and changes your facial shape. Tooth loss can also make it harder to speak clearly and chew certain foods. If you need an extraction, we’ll likely recommend a replacement option such as a dental implant, bridge, or denture to restore your smile.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
Root canals have a bad reputation. Contrary to what many of our patients believe, this is a common misconception. A root canal isn’t a painful procedure. In fact, the infection itself is what causes most patients to experience a lot of pain. Removing the pulp will remove the inflammation and infection to help you feel better.
During the procedure, we make sure your tooth and the area around the tooth are numb so you feel no pain during the procedure. Some post-procedural discomfort might occur, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and usually subsides within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more? We can help. Read answers to common questions about root canal treatment in Baltimore, MD.
Why is a root canal necessary?
You’ll need a root canal if bacteria enter the pulp of the tooth from deep decay, cracks, or trauma that leads to an infection. If left untreated, the infected tooth can cause severe pain, abscess formation, and even the loss of the tooth. The procedure not only alleviates pain but also preserves the tooth so it can function normally.
How is the procedure performed?
During a root canal, the dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. They will then create an opening to access the pulp chamber, remove the infected tissue, and clean the tooth’s interior. Finally, the tooth is sealed with a filling material, and a crown may be placed to restore its strength and appearance.
How painful is a root canal?
One of the most common concerns about root canals is the fear of pain. However, thanks to modern anesthesia techniques, most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. The procedure is necessary to take away the severe pain caused by the infection.
How long does a root canal take?
The treatment time for a root canal can vary depending on the complexity of the case. In most cases, the procedure takes between 30 minutes to an hour. Several things influence the duration of the procedure:
- Complexity of the Infection: More complicated cases may require additional time.
- Number of Canals: Teeth with multiple roots may take longer to treat.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Sometimes you need a follow-up visit to place a crown or filling.
We’ll give you an estimate of your treatment time. We want to keep you informed before treatment so you know what to expect.
Does a root canal require multiple visits?
In some cases, a root canal may require more than one appointment. If you have multiple teeth that need treatment or if the infection is severe, you may need two visits. You may also need numerous visits if your dentist determines you need a dental crown after getting root canal therapy.
What will happen if my tooth cannot be saved?
In cases where the tooth is too damaged, extraction may be necessary. However, this is typically a last resort. Your dentist will talk to you about your replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges.
Can I eat after a root canal?
After root canal therapy, good care is important for a smooth recovery. We suggest you focus on a specific diet to help you heal after treatment. You’ll need to wait until the anesthesia has worn off before eating. Eating when your mouth is numb can cause you to bite your cheek or tongue.
You should stick to soft foods at first to minimize irritation to the treated area. Please avoid hard or crunchy foods, as they can cause discomfort and may damage your teeth. Also, foods that stick to your teeth can complicate the healing process, so you should avoid them as well.
How can I prevent needing a root canal?
Preventive care is key to maintaining oral health. Taking care of your teeth will help you avoid the need for a root canal. The main thing you can do is practice good oral hygiene. You can also visit our dentist every six months for cleanings and examinations. We also recommend that you reduce your sugar intake to minimize the risk of cavities.
Will my insurance cover a root canal?
Many patients are concerned about the cost of dental procedures such as root canals. Most dental insurance plans will cover some of the root canal treatment, as they are considered necessary procedures. But coverage can vary. We advise that you check with your provider.
Schedule an Appointment
Root canal therapy is a highly effective and necessary dental procedure that we use to save teeth from extraction. With modern techniques and anesthesia, the process is relatively painless. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms we listed, please contact us to schedule an appointment for a root canal in Baltimore, MD.