If you are experiencing toothaches, it is important to seek professional treatment quickly. Once teeth develop permanent damage, they cannot regenerate new tissue. As weakened teeth become exposed to acid and bacteria, the internal structures of teeth including the root canal can become infected.
The root canals of infected teeth can become inflamed and infected quite quickly. Root canal treatment can prevent a tooth from becoming abscessed. An abscess can lead to the need for the surgical removal of a tooth.
If you have toothaches or have been told by your dentist to see an endodontist, it is important to act quickly before the problem worsens.
What is the root canal?
The root canal is a chamber-like area deep within a tooth. This part of tooth anatomy contains vital cellular material and nerve endings.
Root canals in healthy teeth are sealed off from debris, bacteria, and acid. When teeth are damaged, the cellular material and nerve endings of a tooth become inflamed and subsequently infected. Since nerve endings are inflamed, an infected root canal can produce tooth pain along with agonizing infections called abscesses.
What is root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure that removes the infected material from the inside of root canals.
Utilizing precise dental instruments, an endodontist will access the innermost structures of teeth to remove nerve endings and dental pulp (cellular material). Once the pulp and nerve ending is removed, the root canal is irrigated and sealed with a cement-like compound.
How can root canal therapy help me?
Receiving endodontic care will alleviate discomfort associated with inflamed root canals. It will also prevent the need for extraction or the development of abscesses.
Essentially, root canal treatment allows people to keep their teeth much longer than they could without professional intervention.
Will I be comfortable during my procedure?
Maintaining patient comfort is an important aspect of performing endodontic care. Many patients liken the sensations they feel during root canal therapy to receiving a filling. Anesthetic medication like localized injections and nitrous oxide is used to maintain comfort.
If you have been referred to our practice, call us today to reserve a consultation with our caring team.
