Root Canal therapy can save your tooth, prevent future dental problems and relieve serious pain. Some patients are nervous about root canal therapy, but in reality, it is hugely beneficial. Keep reading to learn more about this common procedure.
What is dental pulp?
Your teeth are made up of multiple parts. In the very center of your tooth, nerves and blood vessels form dental pulp. This pulp can provide nutrients to the tooth and it contributes to sensations of hot and cold.
What are some signs that root canal therapy may be necessary?
If your dental pulp becomes infected due to injury or tooth decay, a root canal may be necessary. Some signs you need a root canal include:
Sensitivity to hot and cold
Swollen or tender gums
Chronic tooth pain
Pain when you put pressure on the tooth
Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
What happens during root canal therapy?
Root canal therapy involves removing the infected pulp and cleaning out the inside of your tooth. This is important because if left untreated, you could completely lose the tooth or the infection could spread to the rest of your mouth.
The infected material will be removed, the inside of your tooth will be cleaned, the hole will be filled in, and then your tooth will be covered with a protective crown.
Why is root canal therapy so important?
Root canal therapy is necessary to remove a dangerous infection from your mouth. The only real alternative to root canal therapy is tooth extraction, but this comes with drawbacks. Extracting a tooth leaves a hole in your mouth that can make eating and talking difficult. Without the tooth in place other teeth may shift and without something to support, your jawbone becomes weaker and may deteriorate. An extracted tooth can be replaced with an implant, but this process takes time and the implant, while strong, won’t ever be quite as good as your original tooth.
Root canal therapy is a simple way to save your tooth and prevent further damage. If you think you may need root canal therapy, or if you’d just like a checkup, contact New Smiles in Sherwood, OR.
