To understand how a root canal is performed, it is essential to understand the tooth's structure. Inside the tooth is an inner chamber that contains the soft core of the tooth, referred to as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels to keep the tooth alive and healthy. If the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay-causing bacteria or injury, it can cause pain. When this occurs, our dentist at Gardens Dental Spa, may recommend endodontic treatment to remove the diseased tissue from the root and protect it from further infection. During a root canal, the pulp is carefully removed. The root canal system is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before filling and sealing with a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha.
With modern advancements in dentistry, many patients today will experience little to no discomfort during the procedure. Your dentist will provide a local anesthetic to numb the area so you don’t feel pain or discomfort throughout treatment. An infected or abscessed tooth can cause serious oral health issues if left untreated. You must seek immediate treatment from a dentist if you experience any signs of a tooth infection.
The Causes of Root Canals
When we eat, the bacteria in our mouth feed on any sugars left behind on our teeth. These bacteria produce acid as a by-product of digestion, slowly washing away our tooth enamel. Eventually, we reach a point where the decay has reached the tooth's dentin layer, and the nerve tissue inside becomes exposed. The infection inside the tooth can cause pain, abscessed gums, and even tooth loss if the condition is not treated promptly. A root canal removes the infected nerve tissue within the roots of the affected tooth and replaces it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This seal prevents any bacteria from reentering the tooth and causing further infections.
The Benefits of a Root Canal
One of the most significant benefits of a root canal is saving a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. Many patients choose extraction over root canal therapy because they aren’t aware of this procedure's benefits. Extraction is always the last resort for dentists and will always result in a new tooth needing to be placed in the future, but if a root canal is performed instead, you can avoid that future procedure!
Another benefit of root canal therapy is that it allows your dentist to remove the infection causing you pain and sensitivity. This infection can spread, so it must be removed before it can affect other areas of your oral health. A root canal can significantly speed up the recovery time associated with a tooth infected or injured. After the procedure, you can look forward to reduced pain and the ability to get back to your routine much faster than expected!