Root canal treatment patients

Dental patients need root canal treatment when dental X-rays show that the pulp has been damaged by a bacterial infection (pulpitis). The pulp may become inflamed if it's infected by bacteria, allowing the bacteria to multiply and spread. The symptoms of a pulp infection include: pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink.

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure used to address an infection in the pulp, the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. This treatment becomes necessary when oral bacteria invade the pulp, typically due to untreated cavities, cracked or damaged teeth from trauma, or deep tooth decay. Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include persistent tooth pain, especially when applying pressure or in response to temperature changes, swollen or tender gums, a pimple or boil on the gums, swollen jaw, tooth discoloration, and a loose tooth.

The root canal involves removing the inflamed or infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing the space. This treatment aims to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection, and save the natural tooth. It's important to note that a fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp, as it continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

Patients typically require a root canal when they experience severe pain while chewing or biting, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold substances, pimples on the gums, a chipped or cracked tooth, swollen or tender gums, deep decay, or darkening of the gums. The procedure is designed to relieve pain caused by an infected or abscessed tooth and is usually not painful, contrary to common misconceptions. By treating the infection and saving the natural tooth, patients can maintain their normal tooth function and appearance, avoiding more complex dental procedures like tooth extractions and implants​.