Root canals get a bad rap. While we understand it’s scary to hear your current condition warrants a root canal, we want you to understand that it’s not as bad as you think!
The great majority of root canal treatments are non-surgical and are designed to save natural teeth and prevent the need to replace a lost tooth (or teeth) with dental implants, bridges or partials.
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Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
Beneath the hard, outer layers of your tooth — the enamel and dentin — lies a soft tissue called the pulp. This pulp, a delicate structure of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, plays a vital role in maintaining your tooth’s health, vitality, and viability. It’s responsible for developing and nourishing that hard, outer layer of the tooth.
Various factors can put the pulp at risk. Decay, extensive dental restorations, or traumatic injury can lead to irreversible inflammation or infection of the pulp. When this happens, a root canal is often necessary to preserve the tooth and relieve any associated pain.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
Treatment is performed by removing the diseased or dead pulp tissue from each canal in the tooth. Front teeth may have as few as one canal, while back molars may have up to four or more.
The root canal spaces are thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and filled with a material called “gutta percha” which is a biocompatible material that has been used successfully for decades. Once sealed, a crown is placed to protect the tooth.
Root canal treatments can often be completed in one visit, however, difficult teeth with many or strangely shaped canals may require a second appointment.
Think You May Need a Root Canal?
Symptoms stemming from this condition include temperature sensitivity, persistent pain, swelling, and sensitivity to pressure.
There’s no reason to suffer in pain and chance the situation getting worse when you can give us a call and let us help you get to the root of your pain.
Get Relief From Tooth Pain!