More than likely, you have heard about root canals and root canal treatment because you know someone who needed this type of oral care. What you might not know, however, is that root canal therapy (endodontics) saves teeth from the need for extraction. In other words, without root canal treatment, a person’s tooth will become so diseased that it must be removed. This is done by removing structures that have no defense against infection-causing bacteria. These structures are susceptible to infection and infections that begin inside teeth can lead to the development of abscesses, which can require extractions. Having root canal therapy also restores comfort and subsequently oral function, once the tooth has healed after treatment.
What is inside the root canal?
When a tooth is healthy, the root canal is sealed from exposure to oral debris and bacteria. The root canal is a chamber-like area that contains the nerve endings of a tooth and the dental pulp. If these structures become infected, they must be removed so that the infection does not spread.
Will I be comfortable during treatment?
Most patients report that the sensations felt with root canal treatment were similar to the sensations felt when receiving a filling. While those in treatment do feel pressure from dental instruments, discomfort is controlled with local anesthetics. Patient comfort is a priority in our practice and we do everything in our power to ensure that our guests have positive experiences.
Why see an endodontist?
When it comes to treating issues that affect the insides of teeth, many dental professionals choose to refer patients to an endodontist – a dentist with focused education, training, and certification to perform as a specialist. Endodontics is one of nine dental specialties and requires board certification. Receiving treatment from a specialist is a good idea for complex cases or when expertise and first-hand experience with a variety of treatment situations is necessary.
If you have been referred to our practice, we welcome you to call and request an appointment from our friendly front desk personnel.
