A root canal is a treatment that removes infected or damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth so the tooth can stay in place. It is usually for people dealing with a bad toothache, a tooth that is sensitive long after hot or cold food, or an infection that has reached the nerve.

At Penn Family Dental in DuBois, your dentist starts by numbing the area so you are comfortable. They make a small opening in the tooth, clear out the infected tissue, clean the inside canals, and then fill and seal the space. Many teeth also need a crown afterward to protect them, and we will talk that through with you. A single appointment often takes about an hour to an hour and a half, though it depends on the tooth and how many canals it has.

The main reason people choose a root canal is to keep their own tooth. Removing the infection and sealing the tooth lets you keep chewing and smiling with the tooth you already have, instead of replacing it with something else.

It also addresses the source of the pain. When the nerve inside a tooth is infected, that deep ache does not go away on its own. Clearing out that tissue removes what is causing the throbbing, and many patients feel a real difference once the tooth heals.

Recovery is usually straightforward. The treated area can feel tender or sore for a few days, and over the counter pain relief is often enough to manage it. Most people go back to work or their normal routine the next day. Chew on the other side until any soreness settles, keep brushing and flossing as usual, and follow any instructions your dentist gives you for that specific tooth.

A deep cavity is one of the most common reasons. When decay reaches the nerve inside the tooth, it can cause a steady ache and sensitivity, and a filling alone is no longer enough to fix it.

A cracked or injured tooth can also lead to a root canal. A crack can let bacteria reach the nerve, and sometimes the problem starts long after an old chip or blow to the mouth. Signs include pain when biting down, swelling near the gum, or a tooth that darkens in color.

An abscess, which is a pocket of infection at the root, is another situation this treatment handles. If a tooth is too broken down or the infection is too far along to save, a different option such as an extraction may be the better route. Your dentist will examine the tooth and take an honest look at whether a root canal is the right fit for you.