When a tooth suffers from deep decay, a fracture, or a severe infection, many people fear that extraction is the only solution. However, root canal treatment is an effective procedure that allows the tooth to be preserved and prevents more serious problems.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment: What it is
Root canal treatment, also known as “endodontic therapy” or “killing the nerve,” is a dental procedure designed to save a tooth whose pulp—the soft tissue inside—has been affected by deep decay, fractures, or infections.
The process involves removing the pulp tissue and any bacteria that have invaded the tooth’s canal system. Once cleaned, the canals are filled with special materials that prevent future infections and ensure stability. Due to the complexity of the procedure, multiple sessions may be required in some cases to achieve optimal results.
After the root canal, it is essential to restore the tooth properly. While the tooth doesn’t always become fragile, it does lose sensitivity and part of the ability to perceive pressure while chewing. To prevent fractures or long-term deterioration, it’s recommended to reinforce the tooth with a crown or another type of dental protection.
When to get a root canal? (and when not to)
A root canal is recommended when the dental pulp is so damaged that it cannot be repaired—usually due to deep cavities, trauma, or infections causing severe pain, inflammation, or even abscesses. It’s also necessary when a tooth has pulp necrosis, meaning the internal tissue has died, even if there are no obvious symptoms.
On the other hand, it may not be the best option if the tooth is too structurally damaged or if the infection has destroyed a large portion of the supporting bone. In these cases, extraction might be the more viable alternative. It should also be avoided if the problem is superficial and can be treated with a filling or another less invasive procedure.
Discoloration after a root canal
A common concern for many patients undergoing root canal treatment—especially for front teeth where aesthetics are a major concern—is whether the tooth will change color afterward.
Tooth discoloration after a root canal usually occurs subtly. It can be caused by slight dehydration due to the loss of vitality, by the growth of reactive tissue inside the tooth, or as a result of the subsequent restoration.
Some extreme cases of discoloration can be caused by:
- Silver amalgam restorations, which can also stain vital teeth, as silver amalgams can intrinsically stain the tissues they contact.
- Bleeding during treatment, where blood products like hemoglobin may remain trapped inside the tooth, darkening its color.
- Sealing cements, which, although highly effective therapeutically, may contain ingredients that significantly stain the tooth.
Solution for tooth discoloration
To treat discoloration, the first option is usually internal bleaching. This procedure involves applying a bleaching agent inside the tooth over several sessions. In some cases, it can be combined with external whitening treatments depending on the severity of the discoloration.
However, to perform this safely, the root canal must be properly done and the coronal portion of the root must be well sealed. Otherwise, there is a risk of root resorption, which could ultimately require tooth extraction.
As with any whitening procedure, some degree of recurrence may occur over time. For this reason, although it is a minimally invasive option, some professionals prefer longer-lasting solutions such as placing a crown or veneer, which offer greater long-term stability.
Retreatment: root canal re-do
Retreatment (or endodontic retreatment) is the process of repeating a previously performed root canal when it has failed to achieve its goal: full disinfection and sealing of the root canal system. While a well-done root canal can last for many years, in some cases the tooth may become reinfected, requiring another procedure to avoid further complications.
There are two main reasons a root canal might need to be redone:
- Bacterial leakage, which can occur in two ways:
- Through the crown of the tooth, due to a leaky filling or poorly fitted crown, allowing bacteria back in.
- Through the root, if the initial cleaning and sealing were not entirely successful, leaving space for reinfection.
- Inadequate technique or anatomical complications: Sometimes the tooth’s anatomy presents challenges—like curved, calcified, or extra canals that weren’t detected during the first treatment—which can make perfect sealing difficult.
Despite its complexity, retreatment is a viable option and remains the treatment of choice when it allows for long-term preservation of the tooth. However, its success depends on the overall condition of the tooth and the possibility of achieving a proper seal during the new procedure.
We perform root canals and retreatments
At Gross Dentistas, we take care of your oral health with top-quality treatments, including root canal therapy. If you’re experiencing dental pain or an infection, our team is ready to perform this procedure with precision and effectiveness, ensuring your tooth is free of bacteria and protected for the long term.
In addition to root canals, we offer comprehensive care to keep your mouth healthy. We use advanced technology and have a professional team that will guide you through every step of the treatment—from diagnosis to recovery—so you can smile with confidence. Contact us and book an appointment.
Ortodoncista especializada en el sistema de ortodoncia invisible, extensa trayectoria profesional y un gran número de pacientes satisfechos con los resultados obtenidos tras la finalización de su tratamiento.
