What is a root canal?
A root canal (or endodontic therapy) is a procedure that saves a tooth when its nerve supply is irreparably damaged or decayed. It involves removing all of the decayed pulp from your tooth and replacing it with a rubber-like compound called gutta-percha.
The old method of treating a tooth with damaged or infected pulp was to extract it entirely, which makes a root canal an advanced treatment option with many advantages to your overall oral health.
Do I need my tooth pulp?
Your pulp is vital in helping your tooth to grow and mature before it emerges into your mouth, but once your tooth erupts through the gumline and settles into your smile, the pulp doesn’t serve much of an essential purpose. It enables your tooth to feel hot and cold sensations but doesn’t have many functions beyond that.
What are the symptoms of damaged or decayed pulp?
If your tooth pulp is damaged or decayed, you might notice any of the following:
- Severe toothache, either spontaneous or when you bite down on something
- Darkening or discoloration in your tooth
- Pus around your gumline
- An abscess, or small pimple on your gum
- A tooth that feels loose
- A persistent and unpleasant taste or smell in your mouth
In some cases, a damaged or infected tooth might not show symptoms until it’s too late, which is why it’s important to maintain regular cleanings and exams with your dentist.
Can I avoid getting a root canal?
Without proper treatment, your damaged or decayed tooth only gets worse. Avoiding a root canal can lead to a number of severe health conditions, both in your mouth and in the rest of your body, including:
- Tooth loss
- Infection of nearby teeth and gums
- Intense pain
- Infection of your bloodstream (sepsis)
Don’t delay treatment if you think you need a root canal.
Does a root canal hurt?
Many people mistakenly believe root canals are particularly painful or uncomfortable, but much of that sentiment is because of movies and TV shows exaggerating the procedure. With localized anesthetics and modern dental technology, your root canal won’t be any more difficult than a dental filling.
To learn more about what’s involved in getting a root canal, or to schedule your root canal, call the offices at Cosmetic & General Dentistry of New City or book an appointment online today.
