Medically Reviewed by Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team on February 5, 2025
Tooth pain can be more than just a nuisance—it can disrupt your daily life, making it difficult to eat, sleep, or concentrate. If the pain is persistent and severe, it could be a sign of deep infection inside the tooth. In many cases, a root canal is the best solution to preserve your natural tooth and relieve pain. Despite common misconceptions, root canal therapy is not something to fear. It’s a highly effective, safe, and virtually painless procedure that removes infection and prevents further damage, allowing you to keep your natural tooth for years to come.
At Esteem Dental, we believe in saving your natural teeth whenever possible. Our advanced root canal treatments are designed to be comfortable and efficient, helping you restore oral health without unnecessary stress. If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to heat or cold, or swelling around a tooth, you may need a root canal. Let’s explore how this procedure works and why it is often the best way to save your tooth.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure designed to remove infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth while preserving the tooth structure. The pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, can become inflamed due to deep cavities, cracks, or trauma. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to abscesses or even bone loss around the tooth.
The procedure starts with numbing the tooth to ensure a painless experience. A small opening is made in the crown to access the pulp chamber. Using specialized tools, the dentist removes the infected tissue, thoroughly cleans the inside of the tooth, and shapes the canals to prevent reinfection. The space is then filled with a biocompatible material to maintain the tooth’s strength and integrity.
After the root canal is completed, a dental crown is typically placed over the tooth to restore its full function and appearance. Since the tooth is no longer living, the crown helps protect it from future fractures and wear. With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last as long as a natural, healthy one.
Why a Root Canal Is Better Than an Extraction
Many people assume pulling a tooth is a simpler solution than getting a root canal, but this is not always the best choice. Whenever possible, keeping your natural tooth is beneficial for both function and aesthetics.
A missing tooth can lead to the shifting of neighboring teeth, causing misalignment and potential issues with biting and chewing. It can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, which may affect your facial structure over time. While dental implants and bridges are available to replace missing teeth, they can be more costly and require additional procedures.
A root canal allows you to keep your natural tooth without compromising the health of surrounding teeth. It eliminates the infection while maintaining the tooth’s function and structure. Modern root canal techniques ensure the procedure is comfortable, quick, and has a high success rate. Choosing a root canal over extraction helps you maintain a complete, healthy smile with fewer long-term complications.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Tooth pain is often the first sign something is wrong, but not all pain means you need a root canal. Certain symptoms can indicate that the pulp inside your tooth is infected or damaged and requires immediate attention.
Some of the most common signs you or your child may need a root canal include:
- Persistent pain: If you have lingering tooth pain, especially when biting or applying pressure, it may be a sign of deep infection.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold: A tooth that hurts for an extended period after exposure to hot or cold foods could indicate nerve damage.
- Swollen gums or abscess: A pimple-like bump or swelling near the affected tooth can signal an infection that needs urgent treatment.
- Darkening of the tooth: A tooth that has become discolored compared to others may have internal damage requiring a root canal.
- Gum tenderness: If the gum around a particular tooth is swollen, sore, or bleeding without an obvious cause, an infection may be present.
Not every case presents with obvious symptoms. Regular dental checkups can help detect early signs of infection before they cause severe pain or complications.
What to Expect After a Root Canal Treatment
Many patients worry about pain after a root canal, but modern techniques make the procedure relatively painless. The discomfort you experience afterward is typically mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
You may experience slight sensitivity for a few days, especially if the tooth was badly infected before treatment. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until a permanent filling or crown is placed, as this will protect it from damage. Most patients can return to their normal routine immediately after the procedure.
With proper oral hygiene, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly will help ensure your tooth remains strong and healthy.
Why Choose Esteem Dental for Your Root Canal?
We understand the idea of a root canal can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to provide a stress-free, comfortable experience. At Esteem Dental, we use the latest technology and gentle techniques to ensure your treatment is as painless as possible. Our team is dedicated to saving your natural teeth whenever possible, helping you maintain a healthy and confident smile.
If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or other symptoms of infection, don’t wait. Delaying treatment can lead to more extensive damage and the potential loss of your tooth. Contact our office today at (407) 476-5650 or fill out our contact form to schedule an evaluation.
Dr. Jordan Jones, DDS
Dr. Jordan Jones leads the experienced team at Esteem Dental, providing comprehensive family dental care to the Winter Garden and Lake Nona communities. With a focus on general dentistry, pediatric care, and orthodontics, Dr. Jones combines advanced techniques with a compassionate approach to ensure every patient receives personalized, quality treatment in a comfortable environment.
✓ Medically Reviewed
