Truth About Root Canals
Most people cringe at the thought of a root canal. Chances are you have been told by your dentist at one point or another that you need a root canal. More than fifteen million root canals are performed by dentists nationwide. Root canals are necessary when tooth decay goes untreated and eats through the enamel into the tooth nerve causing a serious infection. Years ago, if a tooth was diseased there was no hope for saving it. Root canals can save your tooth as well as your precious smile. Root canals are an endodontic treatment. It removes the infection from the inside. The pulp, or the space beneath the tooth’s enamel, contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. Root canals are necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or dead. If no root canal is performed, it can cause pain, or worse, an abscess. [dt_divider style=”thin” /] There are many advantages to a root canal:
- prevents you from having your tooth pulled
- Very quick
- little or no pain involved
Symptoms of Needing a Root Canal
Symptoms of an infected tooth include severe toothache, tooth sensitivity, swollen gums or a discolored tooth. The procedure is simpler than expected and about as painless as a cavity filling. It’s not anyone’s favorite past time; the common misconception is that a root canal is painful, time consuming and dangerous. Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental provides the best in care during and after the procedure. For anxious patients, dentists provide safe sedation options like ‘laughing gas’, or nitrous oxide. These options should be safe for everyone, but make sure to let your dentist know about health conditions or medications. The most common cause of root canals is untreated cavities. Your lips and gums might be numb for a few hours until the anesthetic wears off, but it should not prove difficult to resume day to day activities. To learn more about Root Canals go over to our detailed Root Canal Page. As always, Contact Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental if you’d like to set up an appointment. We’ll make sure you’re teeth are in good shape.
