Hello! My name is Den. This blog is going to cover a range of dental topics. I am not a dentist or a dental nurse but I have recently undergone a lot of dental treatment. This treatment has given me a great insight into the world of dentistry and I would like to share everything I have learnt with you here. Last year, I developed terrible pain in my mouth. I was diagnosed with severe tooth decay. The dentist removed the problem teeth and then inserted false ones in their place. He also whitened my teeth to improve my smile. I hope you find my blog useful.
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A root canal is a somewhat common dental procedure, and it may be needed to treat a tooth infection or damage under a tooth's surface. If you've been told by your dentist that you need a root canal, or if you're having severe pain in a tooth and know that you need some type of serious treatment, note a few questions you might have about a root canal, so you know what to expect during this procedure.
What is a root canal?
Despite the name, a root canal does not involve the roots of the tooth, or the nerves that grow below the jawbone and gum line. The procedure is done on the tooth pulp, or the soft tissue that is below the tooth enamel or hard surface of the tooth. This part of the tooth is cut away so that a dentist can remove infected or damaged tissue. The tooth itself may be replaced, or you may need a new cap or crown, which is a type of artificial tooth covering, to go back over that soft tissue once the procedure is finished.
Is it painful?
Modern dental surgical techniques can lessen the pain of any procedure; lasers can easily remove infected tissue without much cutting, and with far less bleeding than if the dentist used a scalpel, as an example. You may have resultant sensitivity to heat and cold, or to the tooth being exposed to air, but many patients report only mild discomfort and not outright, severe pain after a root canal. Medication can also be prescribed to alleviate the pain, including simple topical treatments to numb the tooth.
Why a root canal versus an extraction?
If a tooth is damaged, you may assume that it's good to simply have it extracted. This can be needed in some severe cases, but a gap in the teeth can allow other teeth to shift, becoming crooked and rubbing up against other teeth, causing enamel erosion. The exposed gums can also harbor germs and bacteria that lead to infections. Having a tooth implant is an option, but this involves another surgical procedure.
A root canal can remove the infected tissue and allow the tooth to stay in place, so it's more likely to heal and stay healthy. Only your dentist can tell you the best choice for your particular tooth, but consider that a root canal may be faster and safer overall, if it's an option for addressing your infected or damaged tooth.
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