What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure to treat infected or damaged dental pulp. Dental pulp is the soft area in the center of your teeth made up of nerves and tissues. When you undergo a root canal, your dentist removes the pulp from the affected tooth, then fills and reseals it.
If your tooth is in danger, a root canal can restore it to good health and function. Dental pulp helps you detect hot and cold sensations, but your tooth can survive without it. You don’t need dental pulp to chew food and perform other tasks.
When is a root canal necessary?
There are certain situations that increase your likelihood of dental pulp infection, including:
- Severe decay
- Repeated dental work on one tooth
- A tooth injury
You may not realize you have tooth decay or dental pulp infection, especially in the early stages, when they cause minimal or no symptoms. The best way to detect dental problems before they become serious is to get regular dental checkups at Graceful Smiles Dentistry.
There are certain signs that you have a serious dental pulp infection and need a root canal. Schedule an appointment right away if you develop any of these problems:
- Severe toothache
- Tooth pain in response to hot or cold
- Gum swelling or tenderness
- Pimple on gums near the affected tooth
- Discolored teeth
The sooner you get treatment, including root canal, the better chance you have at saving your tooth.
Why get a root canal instead of having my tooth pulled?
If you’re experiencing problems with one of your teeth, you may think about having it pulled, or extracted, instead of undergoing a root canal. Many people think of root canals as uniquely painful and avoid them for that reason.
In fact, modern root canals cause about the same amount of discomfort as having a cavity filled, and far less discomfort than an extraction. Root canals also save your natural teeth, which is always the best option. Even one missing tooth can cause complications, and while it’s possible to replace missing teeth with an implant or dentures, there’s no substitute for healthy natural teeth.
Think of the root canal as a way to relieve the pain of a dental pulp infection. The condition, rather than the procedure to treat it, is what causes the most pain. You can expect to feel much better after you undergo a root canal, and you can keep your tooth for the rest of your life.
To schedule an appointment at Graceful Smiles Dentistry, call or use the online booking tool today.
