Hello everyone, this is Dr. Stela Heisler. Today I want to talk to you about one of the topics that concerns the most patients at my Jerusalem clinic – root canal treatment. Many people hear the words “root canal” and immediately panic, but the truth is that this is a routine and effective treatment that can save your tooth and prevent a great deal of pain and complications.
When Is Root Canal Treatment Needed?
As a dentist with many years of experience, I see patients who come in for root canal treatment in several main situations:
Infection in the tooth nerve – When bacteria penetrate very deeply into the tooth and reach the soft inner tissue (which contains nerves and blood vessels), an infection develops that causes sharp pain and fever. This is the most common case I see at my clinic.
Extensive tooth damage – Sometimes due to trauma, a fracture, or deep decay, the tooth nerve is significantly damaged. In such cases, root canal treatment is the only solution for preserving the tooth.
Sharp pain – If you feel intense pain in a tooth, especially at night or when drinking something hot or cold, this can indicate the need for root canal treatment.
Swelling around the tooth – Swelling, local warmth, or a painful lump near the tooth are signs of an inflammatory condition that requires immediate treatment.
How Root Canal Treatment Works
I always explain to my patients that root canal treatment is essentially a “deep intensive cleaning” of the tooth from the inside. Here is how I perform the treatment at my clinic:
- Step one – Anesthesia and access to the tooth: I begin with local anesthesia so the patient feels no pain at all. I then create a small opening at the top of the tooth to get to the root of the problem (pun intended!).
- Step two – Cleaning the canals: Using special precision instruments, I carefully remove the infected tissue from all the root canals. This is the most important step – a thorough cleaning of all remaining bacteria and infected tissue.
- Step three – Disinfection and sealing: After thorough cleaning, I disinfect the root canals and seal them with a special material that prevents the infection from returning.
- Step four – Tooth restoration: At the end of the treatment I close the opening I created, and in many cases I prepare the tooth for a crown or a large restoration, since a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment naturally becomes less strong.
How Do You Feel After Root Canal Treatment?
This is the question most patients ask me. The feeling after root canal treatment is usually one of great relief! The sharp pain that existed before the treatment disappears, and only mild sensitivity remains for a day or two.
I always guide my patients to:
- Take pain relievers as needed on the first day
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth for a day or two
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Come in for a follow-up visit after a week
Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
Here I can reassure you – the treatment itself does not hurt at all! The local anesthesia I administer ensures you will feel no pain during the procedure. The real pain is before the treatment, when the area is inflamed and causing a lot of suffering. After the treatment – only relief.
The Importance of Early Treatment
I can say with confidence that the earlier you come in for treatment, the better the results and the simpler the procedure. If you feel pain in a tooth, don’t wait! Tooth pain is the tooth’s cry for help, and it needs you to act.
Early root canal treatment can prevent:
- More widespread infections
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- The need for tooth extraction
- Prolonged severe pain
In Summary
Root canal treatment is a safe, effective, and routine procedure that can save your tooth and restore your quality of life. At my clinic I am committed to performing the treatment at the highest level, with advanced equipment and personal attention to each patient.
Remember – your tooth is precious, and it is better to treat it than to replace it. If you have tooth pain or suspect you may need root canal treatment, I invite you to consult with me at my Jerusalem clinic.
