How a Root Canal Saves Your Tooth
Root canals are valuable dental procedures used to treat and preserve teeth with badly infected roots. The pulp is the live portion of the tooth that extends into the root and contains nerve endings and tissues. When it becomes infected, patients can experience pain, swelling and even total tooth loss unless treated. Root canals remove the damaged parts of the tooth and infected root. In some cases, an antibiotic is prescribed to help prevent further infection within the tooth. The organic portion of the tooth that remains may be restored using a cap or crown that provides a natural appearance and normal tooth function.
Did you know…
With modern techniques and local anesthesia, most people find root canal treatment about as comfortable as getting a filling. Once restored with a filling or crown, a root-canal–treated tooth blends in with the surrounding teeth—virtually indistinguishable to the naked eye. Root canal therapy generally has high success rates, and with good home care and regular checkups, results can last many years.
Who Might Need a Root Canal?
A root canal is often recommended when the soft tissue inside your tooth (called the pulp) becomes infected or exposed. To find out if this treatment is needed, your dentist will carefully examine your tooth and may take an X-ray. If a problem is found, a root canal can help ease pain, prevent further damage, and save your natural tooth. This procedure is very common, safe, and effective.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your comfort is the top priority during a root canal. First, the area around the tooth is numbed with local anesthesia so you don’t feel pain. A small protective cover, called a dental dam, is placed to keep the tooth clean and dry.
The dentist then removes the damaged or infected pulp, gently cleans the inside of the tooth, and disinfects it. Once the tooth is clean, the space is filled with a safe, protective material and sealed with a filling. In many cases, a crown may be placed afterward to strengthen the tooth and restore its natural look and function.
Although the idea of a root canal may sound stressful, it’s actually a reliable way to relieve discomfort and keep your tooth healthy for years to come.