Root Canal Treatment: Everything You Need to Know

Root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure carried out to remove the infection that resides in the pulp space in the centre of the tooth. Your dentist will recommend this if a thorough clinical examination and dental x-ray show a bacterial infection. A root canal will prevent the infection from worsening, causing pain and swelling and reducing the risk of the tooth needing to be extracted.  

Why Do I Need a Root Canal? 

You would need a root canal treatment if the nerve space (pulp) has become infected. Your root canal gets infected when bacteria that lives in your mouth gets into your tooth. This can happen for several reasons, the most common of which is decay. Decay is where a cavity becomes large enough to enter your pulp chamber (the hollow part of your tooth that contains nerves and dental pulp). Regular check-ups and having any cavities filled as soon as possible can help prevent the need for a root canal. 

Bacteria from your mouth can also enter your pulp chamber through trauma, such as cracking or breaking a tooth, or from fillings starting to leak and therefore not acting as an efficient barrier against bacteria.  

Antibiotics are ineffective at treating bacterial infections within teeth, so root canal treatment is used to remove the bacteria. Without treatment, the infection within your tooth will become more serious and potentially lead to you needing a tooth removed. 

How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal? 

Symptoms of an infection that requires root canal treatment include: 

• Pain when eating or drinking (especially hot or cold food and drink) 
• Pain when biting or chewing 
• Spontanious pain requiring pain relief 
• Difficulty sleeping due to the pain 
• Swelling 

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Dental pulp cannot heal by itself, so it is essential to get it treated if your tooth is infected.  

At Mola Dental, we specialise in helping nervous patients. If you feel worried about your visit, please let us know when booking your appointment, and we will do everything we can to help you feel comfortable. 

Does a Root Canal Hurt? 

A root canal isn’t painful and shouldn’t feel any more uncomfortable than a regular filling. It is usually done under local anaesthetic, but we can explore sedation options if you are particularly nervous. Sedation won’t make you unconscious, but it will make you deeply relaxed, so you don’t feel any discomfort or pain. 

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment? 

A root canal treatment will usually take between 1-2 hours. Your dentist will begin by placing a dental dam (a thin rubber sheet) inside your mouth to cover everything apart from the tooth being treated. This helps keep the area around your tooth clean and prevents bacteria in the mouth from re-entering the pulp space. 

Your dentist will then drill a hole in the top of your tooth to allow the infected pulp to be removed. They will then clean out the empty tooth using small instruments and a disinfectant liquid. 

After your dentist is sure that all the infected material has been removed, they will fill and seal your tooth so that no bacteria can re-enter the tooth. Once the root canal is complete, it is a good idea to have an indirect restoration on the tooth, commonly known as a “cap” (dental crown). This makes the tooth the strongest it can be. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover? 

As long as you haven’t been sedated, you will be able to drive after your root canal and shouldn’t need any time off work or school.  

It may take several hours for the feeling in your mouth to fully return following the local anaesthetic, and it is best to avoid eating until the numbness has gone. Paracetamol and ibuprofen will help you with any discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off.  

The area around the infection might be slightly tender, and there may also be some swelling. This will get better within a couple of weeks but speak to your dentist if you have any concerns.  

Your tooth will be fragile after treatment, so try not to use it for chewing until you’ve had your permanent filling. This helps prevent it from breaking and keeps the area clean.  

You must maintain your usual oral hygiene routine after treatment. 

Will My Tooth Go Darker? 

There is a belief that your tooth will go darker following a root canal, but advances in techniques mean that your dentist will be able to leave it looking almost exactly the same as it did before the treatment. If you have any concerns, please get in touch with one of our friendly team. 

How Much Does it Cost? 

The cost of your root canal will vary depending on the exact nature of the treatment. Your dentist will be able to give you an estimate once they have assessed the work that needs to be carried out. 

Where To Get a Root Canal in Banani? 

If you think you might need a root canal and, like us, you’re based in Banani, Dhaka, give one of our friendly receptionists a call on 01894221464. They will get you booked in with one of our expert team, who will conduct a thorough examination and advise you on the next steps. 

Let us know if you feel nervous about your appointment; there’s plenty we can do to make your visit better and ensure that it is a positive experience.