What should you know about a root canal before your next dental visit? If you've already scheduled this common procedure, take a look at the top questions patients have about this type of treatment.

Why Do Some People Need This Procedure?

It's important to understand why you need this type of treatment. There isn't one standard reason that every patient needs the procedure. But there are some common culprits. These include cracked teeth (from injuries), serious decay or a deep cavity, a faulty or damaged crown, or another type of restoration failure.

The procedure can alleviate pain, restore your ability to chew effectively, allow you to bite down, and may protect the rest of the tooth from additional decay or infection. This can save your natural tooth and eliminate the need for an extraction.

What Happens During A Root Canal?

The dentist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp from inside of your tooth through an access hole during this procedure. The pulp is the innermost material of the tooth. It contains tissue, nerves, and blood vessels. Don't worry about missing part of your tooth. A permanent (adult) tooth can survive without the pulp.

After the dentist removes the pulp, they will clean and reshape the canal (the chamber that held the pulp). They will then need to fill and seal the tooth.

Will You Need A Dental Crown?

Most patients will need a dental crown to cap the top after a canal procedure. Modern crowns are made from a tooth-colored material. This means the crown will look and feel like the natural tooth.

Is The Procedure Painful?

You will need a local anesthetic to numb the area for this procedure. The anesthetic reduces or eliminates sensation. While you may feel some pressure or the presence of the dentist's instruments during the canal treatment, it's unlikely that you will feel pain. If you have concerns about discomfort or are anxious about the procedure, talk to your dentist about sedation.

Sedation dentistry includes the use of medications (oral pills or through an IV) that allow you to relax or rest during the procedure. Some patients fall asleep before the dentist starts the treatment and wake up afterward. If you choose dental sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from the appointment.

Can You Go Back To Work After A Root Canal?

The answer to this question depends on your personal preference and whether you've had sedation or not. Most people who have not had sedation can return to their normal daily routine after the procedure. You may have some swelling or discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. The dentist can recommend a pain medication. If the pain medication makes you sleepy or you've had sedation, you will need to take the rest of the day off to recover. 

Contact your dentist for more information about root canals.