You may not be able to sit through a full day of work because you have a searing toothache that won’t go away. When your discomfort is that bad, it could be a sign or a developing oral health problem. The words “root canal” can strike fear in some people because the procedure is often associated with pain instead of relief. A root canal can get you the aid you need all while preserving your natural tooth. Read on to learn how this mysterious procedure isn’t as bad as it may seem.
Why Would You Need A Root Canal?
There are four parts of your tooth: the enamel, dentin, pulp, and root. When decay penetrates your dentin, it can leave the pulp of your tooth vulnerable to infection. When this happens, it can affect the nerves in your tooth and result in severe pain and discomfort. Root canal therapy can not only eliminate the pain, but also keep you from having to extract your tooth. Some reasons you may need this procedure include:
- Severe dental decay
- A cracked or chipped tooth
- When you’ve had multiple treatments done to a particular tooth
- A defective crown
If you’re experiencing extreme tooth sensitivity or have a discolored tooth, contact your dentist in Calimesa as soon as possible.
What Happens During A Root Canal Procedure?
The purpose of having a root canal is to repair and save your damaged tooth from extraction. Before your dentist begins the procedure, they’ll administer anesthesia to make you comfortable and ensure you don’t feel any pain. Using small specialized tools, they’ll access your tooth and remove the infected pulp. They’ll then clean the inside of your tooth and seal it. To protect it from bacteria and further decay, they’ll fit your tooth with a dental crown. This will help restore the function and strength of your tooth as well.
What Benefits Can Root Canal Treatment Offer You?
So many misconceptions about root canal therapy, unfortunately, deters patients from getting this incredibly helpful treatment. You may have heard that root canals are painful, or that they can cause other problems, but here are some facts that will set the record straight:
- Modern dental technology and anesthesia allow root canal therapy to be virtually pain-free. The intense pain associated with this treatment is really from the infection, not the procedure itself. In fact, once you get a root canal, you’ll feel much better.
- Root canal therapy can prevent you from needing an even more invasive procedure like tooth extraction. Keeping your natural teeth is important because no restoration, not even the most advanced, can be as functional.
- Because your dentist is removing the infection and bacteria from your tooth, it keeps it from spreading to other parts of your body, including other teeth.
Everyone’s goal is to keep all of their natural teeth in-tact so they can enjoy a happy and healthy smile for years to come. Root canal treatment allows you to do just that! Relieve your pain and prevent future oral health problems with this preventive procedure.
About the Author
Dr. Scott Parker has been improving smiles for over eight years. He takes continuing education courses regularly so he can care for his patients using the latest dental techniques. As an active member of multiple professional organizations, he focuses on giving trustworthy treatment. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or contact 909-795-6019.