Finding Relief: When a Root Canal is the Answer
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A root canal, also called endodontic therapy, is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected—often due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to severe pain, abscesses, or even tooth loss. A root canal helps save your natural tooth, relieve discomfort, and restore your oral health.
A root canal, also called endodontic therapy, is needed when the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected—often due to deep decay, cracks, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. If left untreated, the infection can spread and lead to severe pain, abscesses, or even tooth loss. A root canal helps save your natural tooth, relieve discomfort, and restore your oral health.
Is Endodontics the same as a Root Canal?
Not exactly. Endodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the inside of the tooth—specifically the pulp and root tissues. A root canal is one of the most common treatments performed by endodontists, but endodontics includes other procedures too, such as treating dental injuries or retreating previous root canals. So, while a root canal is part of endodontics, the field itself covers more than just that.
Need a Root Canal? Here's What to Expect
Many people worry that a root canal will be painful, but with modern anesthetics and advanced techniques, the procedure is much more comfortable than it used to be.
‘Getting a root canal today is usually no more painful than having a cavity filled or a tooth pulled,’ explains Dr. Sung. ‘In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics beforehand to help reduce infection, especially if the tooth is difficult to numb due to severe inflammation.’
Who Needs a Root Canal Treatment, and Why?
A root canal may be necessary when a tooth becomes infected. Infection can occur when bacteria enter the pulp—often through a deep cavity, a compromised filling, or a crack or injury in the tooth.
Common signs of infection include:
Pain when chewing or biting
Swollen, tender, or discolored gums
Small pimple-like bumps on the gums (known as sinus tracts)
Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the source is removed
In some cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms. However, a dental x-ray may reveal signs of infection or decay near the root that require treatment.
Managing pain after a root canal treatment
Once the infection is removed, most patients experience noticeable pain relief shortly after treatment. During the recovery period, any residual discomfort can typically be managed with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (Advil).
According to Dr. Sung, taking both medications together can offer enhanced relief, as they target pain in different ways—just be sure to follow the recommended dosages for each.
If your pain lasts more than a few days or becomes more severe, contact your dentist or endodontist for further evaluation.
