Root Canal Specialist

What is a root canal?

While your teeth appear to be extremely hard and durable, they actually have an interior chamber, known as a root canal, that houses the tooth’s nerve, root, and soft material known as pulp. 

For the most part, the root canal remains healthy and free of disease. However, it’s possible for the root canal to become decayed and infected, which puts the health of your whole tooth in jeopardy. When this happens, it’s sometimes necessary to perform a root canal procedure. 

During a root canal procedure, the diseased interior portion of your tooth, including the nerve and pulp, are removed, the inside chamber is cleaned, and your tooth is sealed back up with a strong, tooth-like substance, restoring the strength, function, and appearance of the tooth. 

Why is a root canal procedure necessary?

Even with proper dental care habits like regular flossing and brushing, it’s possible for your root canal to become diseased or infected. Repeated dental procedures can lead to infection or disease, as can trauma or injury to the tooth or surrounding areas. 

A large filling or crack in your tooth are also common reasons for your root canal to become infected. If left untreated, an infected root canal can lead to an abscessed tooth. 

This infection can then spread out of your tooth and lead to swelling, pain, and other unpleasant symptoms in other areas of your face. Bone loss can occur near the affected tooth. 

In addition, drainage from the infected area can spread to nearby gum, cheek, and skin tissue, further causing problems. 

Is a root canal procedure painful?

When most people think of a root canal procedure, they immediately assume it will be painful. However, it’s often said that a root canal procedure is no more painful than other common dental procedures, such as having a filling placed. 

During the procedure, local or general anesthesia can be used in order to minimize your pain, and over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can be used to alleviate any pain afterward. 

To learn more about root canal procedures and whether you may benefit from treatment, call or go online today to schedule your first appointment with the team at First Smile Dental.