When your adult teeth come in, they’re designed to last a lifetime. Unfortunately, life may have other plans, and an infection could threaten one or more of your teeth. In these cases, your emergency dentist’s primary goal is to preserve your tooth, which is exactly what a root canal procedure accomplishes. Here’s more about why there’s nothing to fear — and everything to gain — with a root canal.
How Root Canals Can Save Your Tooth from Infection
Underneath the enamel and dentin of your teeth lies a soft tissue called pulp, which houses blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. If bacteria enter the pulp, which extends from inside the crown of your tooth down into its roots, an infection can develop, which can threaten your entire tooth if it’s not remedied.
These bacteria gain access to your pulp through fissures, gaps in your gums, dental caries (cavities and tooth decay), and other breaches in your enamel and dentin. Left unchecked, these tiny invaders can irreparably damage the tooth structure and cause dental pain.
The goals of a root canal procedure are twofold: 1) to preserve your tooth, and 2) to relieve your pain. A tooth infection can be excruciating, and a root canal procedure effectively puts an end to the discomfort in just one visit.
The Root Canal Process Is Surprisingly Simple (and Pain-Free)
After the infection of the pulp has been diagnosed, your mouth will be numbed to ensure that no pain is felt—though it’s worth highlighting that many patients compare the root canal process to that of receiving a filling, and are surprised when they don’t feel much pain!
Once you’re ready, your dentist will create a tiny access hole in the crown of your tooth. If you already have a filling in your tooth, it may need to be removed first to access the pulp. After cleaning and disinfecting the newly-hollowed area inside your tooth and root canals, it’s filled with an adhesive cement called gutta-percha. With your pulp chamber filled in and infection-free, your dentist will then place a temporary filling to plug the access hole. Lastly, a dental crown is usually placed on the tooth to protect it from future harm.
Root canals are designed to address pain—not cause it! If you’re dealing with a severe tooth infection, rest assured, a root canal could be the very thing you need to get back to smiling happily and healthily!
About Our Practice
Dr. Tricia Mockler and our team are proud to serve the dental needs of patients in Campbell and the surrounding community! We offer a wide variety of dental services under one roof, including restorative solutions and tooth-saving treatments like root canals! If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to set up an appointment, you can reach out online or call today for additional information. Telephone: (408) 871-0877.