Endodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the nerves of the teeth. Root canals are probably the most notorious procedure in dentistry and the most common procedure relating to endodontics. When a tooth becomes infected it is usually related to the nerve in the root of the tooth. The infected nerve needs to be removed. If left untreated an infection can turn into an abscess, which is a much more serious problem that includes pain, swelling, and bone loss in the jaw.
The tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic to start the procedure. The dentist will then drill down into the tooth to create an opening into the nerve canal. He/she will then be able to remove the infected tissue and clean the canal. After the infection has been treated, the space if filled with a sealant called gutta percha. It is highly recommended that a tooth that has undergone a root canal be fitted with a crown. This will improve the appearance of the tooth, and will also make it much more likely that the tooth will not fracture and that the root canal is successful.
"Root canal" has become a scary term for dental patients to hear, but the benefits of the procedure and advances in dental technology have made it much less "scary". Local anesthetics and proper pain medication allow the procedure to be performed with little to no pain in most cases. There may be some soreness following the procedure, but that is normal for certain dental procedures. Over the counter painkillers are usually enough to relieve any pain afterwards, but your dentist may prescribe medication. The procedure will also relieve you from pain caused by the infection allowing you to enjoy all the foods you love without any pain from heat, cold, or biting too hard. If you are experiencing pain consult your dentist today.