If you’ve ever experienced severe tooth pain or been told you need a root canal, you might feel anxious about the procedure. At Grandville Dental, we understand that root canals have an intimidating reputation, but the truth is they’re one of the most effective ways to save a natural tooth and eliminate pain — not cause it. Let’s explore what root canals actually are, why they’re necessary, and what you can expect during treatment.
A root canal is a dental procedure designed to treat infected or severely damaged tooth pulp — the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. During this treatment, Dr. Bishop or Dr. Vander Baan carefully removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and then seals it to prevent further infection.
The term “root canal” actually refers to the natural cavity within the center of the tooth, but it’s commonly used to describe the entire treatment process. This procedure allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted, which is always our preferred approach when possible.
To understand why root canals are necessary, it helps to know a bit about tooth anatomy:
When bacteria penetrate through cracks, deep decay, or trauma, they can reach the pulp and cause infection or inflammation, leading to significant pain and potential tooth loss if left untreated.
When tooth decay progresses beyond the enamel and dentin layers to reach the pulp, bacteria can cause a painful infection. This often happens when cavities are left untreated for extended periods.
Trauma to your tooth — whether from sports injuries, accidents, or biting down on something hard — can create pathways for bacteria to reach the pulp chamber.
Sometimes a tooth that has undergone multiple dental procedures becomes weakened and the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, even without visible damage.
Teeth with very large fillings may eventually develop pulp problems, especially if the filling is old or if decay develops around it.
When crowns don’t fit properly or become damaged, bacteria can seep underneath and infect the tooth’s pulp.
You may benefit from a root canal (depending on your dentist’s assessment) if you experience one or more of the following conditions:
*It’s important to note that some infected teeth show no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental checkups at Grandville Dental are crucial for early detection.
Using our advanced digital X-ray technology, Dr. Bishop or Dr. Vander Baan will examine your tooth and surrounding bone structure to determine if a root canal is necessary. We may also perform pulp vitality tests to assess the health of your tooth’s nerve.
We’ll thoroughly numb the area around your tooth to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. Many patients are surprised to learn that root canal treatment is typically no less comfortable than getting a filling.
A small access hole is made in the crown of your tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
Using specialized instruments, we carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp, then clean and shape the inside of the root canals.
The cleaned canals are disinfected to eliminate any remaining bacteria and reduce the risk of future infection.
The root canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, and the access hole is sealed with a temporary filling.
In most cases, you’ll need a crown to protect and strengthen the treated tooth. We’ll discuss the best restoration option for your specific situation.
Following your root canal treatment, you may experience some mild discomfort for a few days, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Here are some important aftercare tips:
Most patients return to normal activities the next day, and the treated tooth can last a lifetime with proper care.
At Grandville Dental Health Center, we use advanced technology to make root canal treatment more efficient, comfortable, and successful. Our digital X-rays provide detailed images with less radiation exposure, while our modern instruments and techniques ensure thorough cleaning and optimal results.
Root canal treatment is a proven way to eliminate tooth pain while preserving your natural smile for years to come. Call Grandville Dental Health Center at (616) 201-2906 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bishop or Dr. Vander Baan today!