Root Canal Treatment

There are several indicators that may suggest you need a root canal, such as intense tooth pain, discomfort when exposed to hot or cold, swelling and tenderness near the affected tooth, changes in tooth color (darkening), and recurrent pimple-like bumps on the gums. However, the only way to be certain is through a professional dental examination, where your dentist will assess your condition and determine if root canal therapy is required.

No, root canal therapy is not painful. Thanks to modern technology and anesthesia, you won't feel pain during the procedure. Most patients feel only a little discomfort afterward, and your dentist can give you medicine to help with any pain.

Root canal treatment is generally a very successful procedure, but failures can occur in rare cases. This can happen if the tooth wasn’t properly cleaned, the canals weren’t adequately sealed, or a new infection develops. In such cases, retreatment or an apicoectomy, which involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root, may be required.

After root canal treatment, the remaining tooth structure, particularly in the crown area, may be weakened due to the removal of tooth material necessary to access the root canal system. To maintain strength and function, it is recommended to reinforce the tooth with an adhesive fiber post and core. This provides stability and allows for the placement of a porcelain onlay or crown to protect the tooth. In some cases, root-treated teeth may appear darker than surrounding teeth. If this happens, your dentist may suggest a devital whitening procedure or other cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of the tooth.