Receiving a root canal may not be many people’s idea of fun, but this dental treatment often doesn’t get the credit it deserves. The purpose of this procedure is to reduce pain! If your dentist recommends a root canal, it means that soon you’ll be able to speak, eat, and chew again without worrying about pain.
What Is a Root Canal?
Every permanent tooth has a small amount of pulp inside, which is primarily made up of blood vessels and connective tissues. Once your permanent teeth are securely in place, they no longer need this pulp.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean this pulp can’t cause problems! If the exterior of a tooth is damaged, bacteria can gain access to the pulp inside, which can lead to an infection. This infected pulp can become very painful.
A root canal is simply the process of removing this infected pulp and securing the damaged tooth so you can live pain-free again.
What Is the Root Canal Process?
Once a dentist has determined that you need a root canal, the next step is to have the infected pulp removed. After the pulp is gone, we will sterilize the interior of the tooth, fill the empty space, and protect the damaged tooth exterior, often with the help of a crown.
When the process is finished, you can expect almost immediate relief from the pain an infected tooth can cause!
Do I Need a Root Canal?
The only way to be certain that you need a root canal is by getting a diagnosis from your dentist. However, if one or more of your teeth is experiencing any of the following signs, a root canal might be able to improve your quality of life:
- Extreme temperature sensitivity.
- Pain, particularly when eating or when pressure is placed on a specific tooth.
- Swollen gums.
- Tooth discoloration.
- Toothache that extends from the tooth into the jaw.
If You Have Tooth Pain, Get to the Root of the Problem with a Root Canal from Smart Dental Care!
Contact us today if you’re experiencing tooth pain! Whether or not a root canal is the solution that’s right for you, we are committed to eliminating dental pain any way we can.