
Root Canals
If you are suffering from dental pain and extreme sensitivity, a root canal is sometimes required to alleviate the pain and restore your tooth. While you never want to hear that you need a root canal, you can rest at ease knowing that highly-trained dental experts are taking care of you.
root canals
Why Root Canals Are Sometimes Necessary
Root canals are often necessary when the inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes infected due to decay, injury, or damage. Left untreated, this infection can cause significant discomfort and pose serious risks to your dental and overall health if it becomes infected. Here’s why a root canal may be essential:
- Infection Due to Decay or Injury: When a tooth is damaged by decay or injury, bacteria can reach the pulp, leading to infection. A root canal removes the infected tissue, preventing the infection from spreading and saving the tooth.
- Pain from Pressure or Biting Down: If you’re experiencing pain when biting down, it could be a sign of infection or nerve damage inside the tooth. A root canal eliminates this pain by treating the source of the problem, allowing you to bite comfortably again.
- Severe Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: Extreme sensitivity to temperature changes is a common symptom of an infected tooth. A root canal can stop the pain and restore normal function to your tooth.
- Prevent the Spread of Infection: Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread to surrounding areas, causing more severe health issues. A root canal stops the infection in its tracks, preserving the health of your teeth and gums.
Root canals are a safe and effective way to eliminate pain, stop infection, and save your tooth. By addressing the problem early, you can protect your smile and prevent more extensive dental procedures in the future.
Here are some key advantages of choosing root canal treatment:
- Saves Your Tooth: Root canals allow you to keep a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted, helping to maintain your natural smile and preventing the need for tooth replacement options.
- Relieves Pain and Discomfort: By removing the infected or damaged tissue inside your tooth, a root canal alleviates the pain caused by infection, pressure, or sensitivity, restoring your comfort.
- Maintains Bite Stability: Keeping your natural tooth through root canal treatment helps maintain the alignment and stability of your bite. Removing a tooth without proper replacement can lead to shifting teeth, which can cause further dental issues.
The process of root canals
Our doctors are highly trained in diagnosing and performing root canals. Due to case complexity or scheduling constraints, we may sometimes refer patients to root canal specialists, known as endodontists. Whether you are treated here or at an endodontist’s office, here’s what you can expect during your visit.
Inside each tooth is a pulp chamber that contains the tooth’s nerves and blood supply. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to decay, fracture, or injury, it must be removed. The canal is then cleaned, and a temporary filling is placed until a final restorative procedure, typically a crown, can be completed. This process is essential to save the remaining structure of the tooth.
After a root canal, all teeth must be protected with a porcelain crown. Teeth that have had the pulp removed are more prone to fractures, so a crown is necessary to safeguard the tooth. For more details about porcelain crowns, click here.
If you choose not to undergo root canal treatment, the only alternative is to remove the infected tooth. However, there are replacement options to prevent shifting and weakening around the missing tooth. These options include replacing the tooth with a bridge or an implant, ensuring your smile and dental health remain intact.