So you’ve just been told one of our Dentists that you need a root canal treatment. You’ve heard horror stories about others who have experienced the process, but you’re not sure on what a root canal involves. Fortunately, we have comprehensive experience in this regard. Within this blog post, we’ll provide an explanation on what’s involved with a root canal treatment and the treatment’s benefits you can anticipate.
What is a Root Canal?
The actual root canal is the space inside the tooth that travels down the length of the root to the tip. On average, each one of our teeth may have one-to-four root canals. The pulp that makes up the root canal can become infected due to a deep cavity, or a fracture that allows bacteria to seep into the area. This damage can cause increased blood flow to the area and increased pressure, which can then cause persistent pain. To relieve this pain and to remove the infection, dentists will perform a root canal treatment.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment involves the process of removing infected, injured or otherwise damaged pulp from the inside of the patient’s tooth. Generally, this treatment begins with the freezing of the affected area. The dentist will then place a rubber dam around the tooth to protect the tooth from bacteria within the saliva.
After making an opening in the tooth, the dentist will then remove the damaged pulp by cleaning and enlarging the root canal. The dentist then fills and seals the canal before sealing the opening in the tooth. The dentist will then have to restore the tooth to ensure optimal functionality for the patient. Their choice of restoration depends largely on the underlying strength of the remaining tooth. A crown may be chosen to restore functionality and allow the patient to chew comfortably over the long-term.
The root canal process can help protect teeth and prevent them from having to be replaced by artificial products. It’s a process that takes time but can be highly effective in ensuring tooth function for those with significant bacterial infections within their teeth. To learn more on this complex treatment, speak with one of our office team members directly today!