We perform root canals all the time to deeply clean and disinfect teeth. You probably would not be happy to receive the news that you need a root canal, since this procedure has a reputation of being painful and invasive. The truth is that root canals today are virtually pain-free thanks to innovations in anesthesia, and they prevent you from needing to have a tooth extracted. Read on to understand how root canals save your teeth.
Remove Infection and Prevent Reinfection
A root canal is necessary when you have severe tooth decay or gum disease that has spread to the pulp inside your tooth, or when a dental injury has caused damage below the gum line, which puts you at risk of developing an infection. During a root canal, we thoroughly clean the inside of your tooth and its roots, remove all the infected pulp, and seal the canal of your tooth with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. After sealing the tooth, we usually place a crown on top. Sealing your tooth and covering it with a strong, durable crown prevents the compromised tooth from becoming infected or damaged again.
Why a Root Canal is Better Than an Extraction
You might think that it would be easier and less painful to have a severely decayed or damaged tooth removed rather than undergoing a root canal. However, we usually recommend saving your natural teeth whenever possible. When you are missing even one tooth, your remaining teeth will shift position over time, which causes bite issues, uneven jawbone wear and tear, and difficulty eating and speaking. Additionally, the space where your tooth is missing is a trap for food debris, bacteria, and plaque, which puts you at risk for further decay and tooth loss down the line. Having a root canal not only saves your natural tooth, but it can help prevent serious oral health problems in your future. Call us to learn more.
We perform root canals all the time to deeply clean and disinfect teeth. You probably would not be happy to receive the news that you need a root canal, since this procedure has a reputation of being painful and invasive. The truth is that root canals today are virtually pain-free thanks to innovations in anesthesia, and they prevent you from needing to have a tooth extracted. Read on to understand how root canals save your teeth.