Root canals may have a scary reputation, but they’re one of the best solutions for severe dental pain from specific sources. There’s a lot of confusion about what goes on in a root canal, and most people’s first thought is of the high-pitched whine of a drill and the promise of extreme discomfort throughout the process. Root canals aren’t nearly as scary as they’re often made out to be, and we decided to help cut through its bad reputation with this article. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what’s involved in a root canal or your dentist has informed you you’re in need of one, read on!
What Makes A Root Canal Necessary?
This is probably the essential foundation you’ll need in understanding precisely what a root canal is. A root canal is often indicated as being necessary when you have extensive decay in your tooth that has lead to the pulp, ligament, and sometimes even the internal gum being inflamed or infected. Root canals can often result in an abscess, infected pulp, or an inflamed dental ligament. A root canal seeks to correct these by eliminating the damaged pulp and cleaning out any abscesses so the tooth can be repaired and the pain eased.
Why Not Just Do An Extraction?
While it may seem more straightforward to extract the tooth that needs a root canal, there are many pressing reasons to keep your natural teeth. These include retaining a normal sensation of biting and chewing, a more natural appearance for your smile, maintaining efficient chewing, and protection from additional strain or wear on your teeth.
Ok, So What Exactly IS A Root Canal?
Root Canals are an endodontic, or “Inside the tooth” treatment that is done to help ease a painful tooth and relieve abscesses. During the developmental stages of a tooth, it relies on pulp to grow and strengthen itself, but this pulp becomes unnecessary once the tooth is fully mature. This is why a root canal is used when the pulp is infected or inflamed, with the removal of the pulp the tooth can be reinforced and saved, and the living tooth will continue to be nourished by the tissue of the gums.
What Will Happen During My Root Canal?
The process is very straightforward and begins with an exam that includes an x-ray. The area around the tooth is then given a local anesthetic, and the crown of the tooth is opened so small instruments can be inserted to clean out the inside of the tooth. The interior of the tooth is cleaned out and then smoothed to ensure that the filling that is added will not allow infection or decay to begin again. There is often a second visit required to remove the temporary filling and replace it with a permanent one.
If you think you might be in need of a root canal, or it’s just been a long time since you last visited a dentist, pick up the phone and give Arc Dental a call. Dr. Kelly Zhao and her team of expert orthodontists and dental professionals have been serving the Houston, TX area proudly, and are ready to welcome your family to be part of theirs.