A root canal treatment is a reliable way to save a natural tooth that may otherwise be lost due to severe decay, infection, or injury. Despite its benefits, many individuals hesitate to undergo the procedure due to concerns about pain and discomfort. The truth is that a root canal procedure is intended to relieve pain, remove the infected pulp, and restore the function and health of the affected tooth.

If you’re dealing with ongoing tooth pain, swollen gums, or tooth infection, a root canal could be the solution you need. In this article, we’ll take you through the before and after of a root canal, helping you understand what to expect from the procedure, the healing process, and the transformation of your treated tooth.

How to Tell If You Might Need a Root Canal: Key Warning Signs to Watch For

If you have ongoing dental discomfort, it’s important to identify the warning signs of an infected tooth. A root canal treatment may be required if the tooth pulp—the soft tissue inside the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues—becomes inflamed or infected.

Here are the key symptoms that suggest you may need a root canal:

1. Severe and Ongoing Tooth Pain

If you experience ongoing tooth pain that doesn’t subside, especially when chewing or applying pressure, it could indicate infection deep within the root canal system.
The pain may come and go but tends to worsen over time.

2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold That Lingers

If your tooth pain lingers for several seconds or minutes after consuming hot coffee or cold drinks, it could mean the tooth pulp tissue is damaged.
This prolonged sensitivity often suggests inflammation inside the pulp chamber, which requires treatment.

3. Swollen Gums or Facial Swelling

Swollen gums around a specific affected tooth may indicate an underlying tooth infection.
In more progressive cases, the swelling can extend to the face or jaw, requiring immediate attention.

4. A Pimple or Abscess on the Gums

A pimple-like bump on the gums, sometimes filled with pus, is a telltale sign of an infected pulp.
This abscess can release foul-smelling fluid and is a sign that the infection is spreading.

5. Tooth Discolouration (Dark or Grey Tooth)

A damaged tooth with a darkened appearance can indicate that the pulp inside is dying due to a lack of blood supply.
This often happens after trauma or prolonged tooth decay.

6. Pain When Chewing or Touching the Tooth

If simple actions like biting or even touching the affected tooth cause severe pain, this could be a sign that the infected tooth pulp is inflamed and affecting nearby connective tissues.

7. A Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A crack or fracture can expose the soft tissue inside the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter and infect the root canal system.
Even if there’s no immediate pain, the damage can gradually worsen, increasing the risk of infection and more serious dental issues.

8. Deep Decay or Cavity Reaching the Pulp

If tooth decay has reached the tooth pulp, a root canal procedure is often mandatory to prevent tooth loss.
Deep cavities that penetrate the white enamel can cause bacterial infection inside the root structure.

9. A Loose Tooth

An infected tooth can become loose due to the breakdown of bone loss and soft tissue around the tooth.
If the tooth mobility worsens, it’s a sign of potential tooth damage and the need for root canal therapy.

10. A Foul Taste or Bad Breath That Doesn’t Go Away

A bad taste or persistent bad breath—despite maintaining good oral hygiene—could be a sign of a tooth infection that’s releasing pus.
This is a sign that bacteria are present in the pulp chamber and require immediate treatment.

What Happens If You Ignore These Symptoms?

Delaying treatment for an infected tooth pulp can have serious consequences:

The infection may spread to other teeth, gums, or the jawbone.
The tooth pulp tissue may deteriorate completely, leading to tooth loss.
You may develop an abscess, causing intense pain and potential hospitalisation.
The pain will worsen, making it difficult to eat or speak normally.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention with a root canal procedure can save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and restore your oral health.

What Happens Before a Root Canal?

Before performing the root canal procedure, your dentist will examine your tooth using X-rays. This helps them determine:

The extent of infection in the root canal system
The condition of the tooth pulp and root structure
Whether there is any bone loss around the infected tooth

Getting Ready for a Root Canal: What You Need to Know

To make your experience as smooth as possible, consider these steps before your root canal treatment:

Eat a Nutritious Meal – Since your mouth may feel numb for a few hours after the procedure, eat before your appointment.
Take Pain Relievers (If Advised) – Some dentists recommend taking pain medication before the procedure to minimise discomfort afterwards.
Get a Good Night’s Rest – Your body heals faster when well-rested.
Discuss Any Concerns With Your Dentist – If you have anxiety about the procedure, your dentist can explain what to expect and discuss pain management options.

The Root Canal Procedure: Step by Step

A root canal procedure aims to remove infected pulp, eliminate severe pain, and save your natural tooth from tooth loss. Many people fear the process, but thanks to modern dentistry, it is a routine and comfortable treatment. In fact, root canal therapy is much like getting a dental filling but with the added step of thoroughly cleaning the root canal system.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to what happens during a root canal treatment:

1. Numbing the Affected Tooth with Local Anaesthetic

Before starting the procedure, your dentist will prioritise your comfort by administering a local anaesthetic to numb the infected tooth and nearby soft tissue.

A numbing gel is first applied to the gums to minimise any discomfort before the anaesthetic injection.
You might feel a mild pinch, but within a few minutes, the area will be completely numb.
If you feel any discomfort during the procedure, your dentist can administer more anaesthetic.

Once the anaesthesia takes effect, you will not experience pain during the treatment.

2. Isolating the Tooth with a Dental Dam

To keep the affected tooth dry and prevent bacteria from contaminating the area, a dental dam (a small rubber sheet) is placed over the tooth.

This protects the root canal system from saliva and other contaminants.
It also helps your dentist work more efficiently by keeping the treatment area clean and isolated.

3. Creating an Opening in the Tooth

The dentist will make a small hole in the white enamel of the infected tooth to access the pulp chamber.

This step enables the dentist to reach the infected pulp, tooth pulp tissue, and blood vessels inside the tooth.
The hole is carefully positioned to minimise tooth damage and keep as much of the natural tooth as possible.

4. Removing the Infected Pulp and Cleaning the Root Canal System

Once the opening is made, the dentist removes the infected pulp, along with any diseased pulp, connective tissues, and blood vessels.

Special instruments clean out the root canal system, ensuring all tooth infections are eliminated.
The canals are carefully shaped to prepare them for filling.
Throughout this process, your dentist may use antimicrobial solutions to kill bacteria and prevent further infection.

By the end of this step, the soft tissue inside the tooth is fully removed, and the area is cleaned thoroughly.

5. Disinfecting and Sealing the Root Canal

Once the pulp inside the tooth is removed, the empty space is cleaned and sterilised to prevent bacterial regrowth.

The root canal system is filled with gutta-percha, a biocompatible material that helps seal and protect the tooth.
The filling ensures that no bacteria can re-enter and cause further damage.
A temporary filling is used to seal the opening, protecting the tooth until the final restoration is in place.

This step is key to preventing reinfection and ensuring long-term success.

6. Placing a Permanent Filling or Crown

After a few weeks, once the root canal recovery is complete, your dentist will replace the temporary filling with a permanent filling or a dental crown to fully restore the treated tooth.

A dental crown is often recommended for molars and upper molars, as they endure heavy chewing pressure.
A porcelain crown strengthens the tooth and protects it from further damage.
For front teeth, a strong dental filling may be sufficient instead of a crown.

7. Final Checkup and Aftercare Instructions

Before concluding the root canal treatment, your dentist will ensure that:

The treated tooth is properly sealed.
There are no signs of infection or swollen gums.
You understand the root canal recovery process.

What Happens Next?

You may feel slight discomfort for a few hours once the anaesthesia wears off.
Your dentist may recommend avoiding chewing on the treated tooth for a few days to allow proper healing.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage mild discomfort during the healing process.

Most patients return to normal activities quickly, and in a few weeks, the treated tooth functions just like any other natural tooth.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

The duration of a root canal therapy depends on the complexity of the infected tooth:

Simple cases (front teeth) – 30 to 60 minutes in a single visit.
Molars and upper molars – 90 minutes or more, often requiring two visits.
Severe infections – Additional cleaning sessions may be needed before filling.

If multiple root canals are involved, the procedure may take longer.

Root Canal Recovery: What to Expect

After root canal therapy, you may experience mild discomfort or swollen gums for a few days. However, this is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and good oral hygiene.

Immediate Aftercare (First 24-48 Hours)

The local anaesthetic will wear off after a few hours, so avoid eating until the sensation returns.
Opt for soft foods like yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and soups to avoid putting pressure on the treated tooth.
Avoid chewy foods or hard foods that may put pressure on the treated tooth.
Use an ice pack to minimise facial swelling if necessary.

Long-Term Healing (A Few Weeks)

The treated tooth will fully heal within a few weeks.
If a dental crown is recommended, get it placed as soon as possible.
Continue regular dental checkups to monitor the health of your root canal system.

Tips to Maintain Your Treated Tooth

A root canal treatment can preserve your natural tooth, but proper aftercare is essential for long-term success. Here’s how to keep your treated tooth healthy:

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to protect against tooth decay and gum disease, keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria.

2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Schedule dental checkups every six months.
X-rays may be needed to monitor the root canal system.
Report any persistent tooth pain or discomfort.

3. Protect Your Treated Tooth

A dental crown is recommended for molars and upper molars.
Avoid delaying a permanent filling to prevent further damage.

4. Eat Soft Foods During Healing

Stick to mashed potatoes, yoghurt, and soups.
Avoid hard foods (nuts, ice) and chewy foods (gum, caramel).
Wait until your dentist confirms full healing before chewing on the treated tooth.

5. Manage Discomfort After Treatment

Take pain relievers if needed.
Use an ice pack for facial swelling.
Avoid extremely hot or cold foods if sensitivity persists.

6. Address Teeth Grinding

If you grind your teeth, a custom night guard can protect your treated tooth and stop further damage.
Avoid chewing on non-food items like pens or fingernails.

7. Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks

Reduce soda, lollies, and sweetened coffee to prevent tooth decay.
Rinse your mouth with water after sugary foods or drinks to help reduce plaque buildup and protect your teeth.

8. Watch for Signs of Infection

Look out for swollen gums, persistent tooth pain, or a loose dental crown.
Contact your dentist if you notice any signs of reinfection.

Following these steps helps ensure your root canal procedure remains a long-term success, keeping your treated tooth strong and functional.

Root Canal or Tooth Extraction: Which Is the Better Choice for You?

When dealing with a severely infected or damaged tooth, the main options are root canal therapy or tooth extraction. While both treatments address tooth pain, a root canal is usually the better option for preserving long-term oral health.

1. Preserving the Natural Tooth

Root Canal: Saves the natural tooth by eliminating the infected pulp and sealing the root canal system to prevent reinfection.
Extraction: Removes the entire tooth, leaving a gap that may lead to bone loss and shifting of other teeth.

2. Function and Appearance

Root Canal: Allows the treated tooth to function like any other natural tooth. A dental crown restores strength and aesthetics.
Extraction: This may require a replacement (such as a dental implant or bridge) to restore function and prevent further damage to surrounding teeth.

3. Pain and Recovery

Root Canal: The procedure is comfortable due to local anaesthetic, and most patients recover within a few weeks with minimal discomfort.
Extraction: Healing can take longer, especially if the extracted tooth requires stitches. There is also a risk of a dry socket, which causes severe pain.

4. Long-Term Costs

Root Canal: While the initial cost may be higher than an extraction, it eliminates the need for costly tooth replacements.
Extraction: Often requires additional treatment, such as a dental implant or denture, which can be expensive over time.

5. Risk of Further Complications

Root Canal: Prevents further infection while maintaining oral health. With good oral hygiene, the treated tooth remains strong.
Extraction: This can cause surrounding teeth to shift, leading to bite problems and jawbone deterioration.

Final Thoughts: Is a Root Canal Worth It?

Yes! Most root canals successfully save teeth, relieve tooth pain, and restore oral health. If you’re showing signs of an infected tooth, seek treatment promptly—addressing the issue early can help prevent more serious dental problems.

A root canal procedure not only preserves your natural tooth but also helps you return to eating, speaking, and smiling confidently without discomfort. If you think you need a root canal, book a consultation with Good Choice Dental at (02) 8203 8760 to get the treatment you need.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Medical News Today. (n.d.). Root canal: Everything you need to know. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142780
Healthline. (n.d.). Temporary filling: Purpose, procedure, care & removal. https://www.healthline.com/health/temporary-filling
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Tooth extraction: What you need to know. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22120-tooth-extraction
Colgate. (n.d.). What is good oral hygiene? https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Local Anesthesia. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580480/
WebMD. (n.d.). Pain relievers: Understanding your OTC options. https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/ss/slideshow-pain-relievers

Root Canal Before and After: From Painful Toothaches to a Confident Smile