A root canal is a dental procedure that treats an infected or at-risk tooth. Root canal therapy can often save your natural tooth, allowing it to remain in place for the benefit of your smile and dental function. But what exactly is a root canal and what does it entail? Here’s an overview of the procedure to promote better understanding of this common treatment.
The root canal is a part of a tooth. It is the inner chamber beginning at the base of the crown and extending through the root. The root canal contains dental pulp, soft tissue housing blood vessels and nerves that sustain the tooth as it develops and helps it thrive and function properly.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
If bacteria enters the root canal through a crack, a deep cavity, or underdeveloped roots it can infect the dental pulp. Root canal therapy can treat an existing infection or prevent it.
During root canal therapy a small hole is made in the crown of the tooth that is used to reach the root canal chamber. The dental pulp is extracted along with any diseased or damaged tissue. The root canal is thoroughly flushed out and disinfected to remove all traces of bacteria and pulp. Then the tooth is filled with a replacement material that is resistant to infection. In most cases a crown is placed over the tooth for protection following root canal therapy.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
- Save the natural tooth. When performed at the right time, root canal therapy can often save a tooth that is infected or at-risk, allowing the natural tooth to remain in place in your mouth.
- Avoid costly artificial teeth. If the tooth can’t be saved and needs to be extracted, replacing the tooth will often cost more than root canal therapy to save it.
- Relieve or prevent pain. An infected tooth can be painful. Root canal therapy can relieve tooth pain or prevent it from occurring.
- Relieve sensitivity. A tooth that needs a root canal is often extremely sensitive to cold, heat, and sugar. Root canal therapy can relieve your sensitivity.
- Preserve your natural smile. Saving your natural tooth with a root canal provides a more natural smile than you may be able to achieve with a dental prosthetic.
How Do I Know if I Need a Root Canal?
If you have a tooth that needs a root canal, you may experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Toothache
- Pain that comes and goes
- Sensitivity that lingers after the cause is removed
- Discoloration of a tooth (gray or brown from the inside)
- A deep cavity
- A cracked tooth
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Therapy
Is it better to have the tooth pulled instead of a root canal?
We always recommend saving your natural tooth with a root canal if at all possible. Keeping your natural tooth intact provides better function and appearance than a dental prosthetic. It will also save you money.
Does a root canal hurt?
Local anesthesia is used for root canal therapy to numb the nerves and prevent discomfort. If you are uneasy or anxious about the procedure, sedation options are available to help you relax.
Learn More About Root Canal Therapy From Aliso Smiles
If you know or think you need a root canal, Aliso Smiles provides gentle and thorough root canal therapy. Call 949-916-7800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.