The term “root canal” may sound like a scary word, unless of course you have lived with the excruciating pain caused by a tooth abscess or a badly infected tooth. A root canal procedure is actually a welcomed event by patients who are experiencing the intolerable pain that is sometimes associated with tooth problems.
Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime; that is of course if your teeth don’t get injured or infected. In fact, in the past, many dentists believed it was okay to extract a problematic tooth, rather than save the tooth with a root canal. You may ask; why do I need a root canal? There are a handful of problems that can stem from pulling teeth including shifting teeth, cleaning problems, and jaw bone loss. If possible, most reputable dentists will recommend a root canal to save your natural tooth.
With the endodontic and dental advanced available today, the actual root canal process can be pain free and a welcomed relief for dental patients. Your dentist may be experienced in treating root canals or they may refer you to an endodontist who specializes in root canals and other endodontic issues.
Our teeth have pulp in them and inside the soft tissue pulp are blood vessels and nerves. If a tooth is cracked, if you have issues with a large filling, or have experienced a traumatic tooth injury your pulp can be in jeopardy. Bacteria will kill off the healthy tooth pulp, and cause swelling and pain in the tissue around the tooth, potentially damaging the bone that your tooth is anchored to. If disease, infection or a tooth injury affects the pulp, the pulp will die. If you begin to experience severe tooth pain, have been in a serious accident involving your mouth or you notice a pimple like obtrusion on your gum, call your dentist right away. Root canals are a proven endodontic procedure for saving your natural tooth and restoring health back to your teeth and mouth.
