What Happens During Root Canal Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know

Root canal therapy treats the center of your tooth (pulp), which houses blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. While the enamel protects the pulp, sometimes harmful bacteria can breach this hard protective barrier through untreated cracks, decay, or repeated dental procedures.

Do you have an infected/damaged pulp? In the past, dental extraction would be the most obvious treatment, but not anymore. Pleasant Hill Dental can save your tooth with gentle and safe root canals in Pleasant Hill, California. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Cheng Zhu to resolve your tooth infection with root canal therapy.

How do I know I need a root canal?

When harmful bacteria infiltrate your tooth’s pulp chamber, you’ll know it. Dental infection causes the following unpleasant symptoms.

Sharp pain, especially when biting into smoothing.
Consistent and prolonged tooth sensitivity after consuming hot or cold foods.
Swollen gums.
Tooth discoloration.
A pimple-like swelling near the affected tooth.
A foul taste or smell despite optimal oral hygiene.
Visible cracks or decay on the tooth.

Sometimes, you may need root canal therapy without the above symptoms. An asymptomatic infected tooth happens when the infection is at its earliest stage or the nerve is dead and no longer sends pain signals. Routine dental X-rays can spot the need for a root canal before it’s too late.

What happens during a root canal?

The words “root canal” can send a cost shiver even to the bravest persons. However, modern root canals are anything but the harrowing stories you have read or watched. Before treatment, the dentist numbs your gums with effective local anesthetics. You won’t feel any pain during treatment. While anesthetics work for many patients, sedation dentistry is available upon request. The dentist only proceeds with the procedure when you are comfortable.

Next, the dentist places a rubber dam on the tooth to prevent contamination and protect the rest of the mouth. Then, we’ll make a small hole in the tooth to flush out the damaged/infected tissues. After thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the area, the dentist will fill your tooth with gutta-percha to prevent future bacterial attacks.

We’ll seal the access hole with a dental filling, but a dental crown is preferable if the tooth needs significant reinforcement. Your treated tooth looks natural and chews without pain or sensitivity. Most treated teeth last years (even a lifetime) with proper care.

What happens after a root canal?

Most patients experience mild pain and swelling after treatment, especially when the anesthesia wears off. We’ll prescribe over-the-counter medications to manage pain. Applying ice on the cheeks of the affected tooth also helps with pain and swelling. Ensure you are well rested, so avoid heavy lifting and running exercises to allow your body to heal. Lastly, observe good oral hygiene and use easy-to-chew foods for a few days. Many patients need about a week to recover from a root canal.

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New Patients: (925) 693-7077 | Existing Patients: (925) 692-2010
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Is it time for root canal treatment?

A root canal relieves pain, prevents infection spread, and saves your tooth from extraction. Don’t think about extraction yet if you have an infected or damaged tooth. Instead, call (925) 693-7077 to schedule an appointment with Pleasant Hill Dental. Let’s restore your oral health with gentle and effective root canals.