Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

If your dentist has recently suggested root canal therapy as your next line of treatment, you may be wondering how your tooth got to this point or why a root canal is better than just removing your aching tooth? It is important that you realize the value of this specialized and time-tested endodontic treatment. To do so, however, you’ll need to understand how a tooth issue can progress to the point of needing a root canal and why this is the procedure of choice for a painful, infected tooth.

When Decay Goes Untreated

Dental caries (cavities) begin in the outermost shell of the tooth – the crown or enamel. Usually there is no pain associated with the onset of decay. As the decay progresses, it attacks the next layer which is the dentin. At this point, the tooth may become more sensitive to temperature changes and sweets. As the decay gets closer to the pulp, where the nerve resides, the tooth becomes more sensitive. When it attacks the pulp then you have a very serious problem. Oftentimes, swelling ensues and an abscess begins to form at the root of the tooth. If this condition is not treated, the infection will progress leading to more tissue damage, acute pain, loss of the tooth and damage to the surrounding bone. At its worst, it can seriously affect your overall health.

Important Truths About Endodontic Therapy

Learning the following two facts about root canal therapy can certainly help you feel at ease about moving forward with this procedure. If you learn anything about root canals, know this:

Root canal therapy can save a tooth from extraction.

This is one of the most efficient methods of relieving the pain and discomfort of an infected tooth. It also helps relieve the swelling caused by inflammation. The damaged nerve is removed from the tooth and the opening or canal is cleaned out, ridding the area of harmful bacteria. Once the canal is sanitized, it is filled with an inert material and sealed to keep out future bacteria.

Root Canals Are Not Painful – Infected Teeth Are Painful!

Usually when the dentist mentions root canal therapy patients cringe with fear. If it is pain or discomfort that you fear about this procedure, we can put your mind at ease. Most people report root canal therapy to be no more painful than getting a dental filling. In fact, it is the infection and inflammation of the damaged nerve tissue in your tooth that causes the real pain. Once the nerves are completely removed from the tooth, the tooth itself is essentially dead and your pain is instantly relieved.

Root canal therapy, like all other procedures at Laguna West Dental Care, is done gently and efficiently using the latest in dental technology. Call today to learn more about how you can get relief from your infected tooth pain.