Tooth decay is widespread amongst adults. As many as one in four adults in the United States suffer from mild to severe tooth decay. Fortunately for them, root canal therapy is easier than ever and has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent further deterioration and preserve the natural tooth. The experts at Central Ohio Endodontics have years of experience and have seen firsthand the saving power of professional root canal therapy.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Almost everyone has heard of a root canal, but not everyone knows what it is. In essence, a root canal is a procedure that treats infection or inflammation caused by tooth decay bacteria, which can be present due to tooth decay. Sounds good enough, right? However, root canal therapy is rarely portrayed in a positive light. If people think they know anything about the procedure, it is that it causes an immense amount of pain. Although pain is an immeasurable sensation each person experiences differently, modern medicine has made root canals no more painful than a cavity filling. In this blog, our expert endodontists go more in-depth into the pain caused by a root canal.
Tooth infection or inflammation refers to the bacterial contamination of the soft tissue pulp inside the tooth. Pulp is the collection of nerves and vessels, and infection sets in after bacteria penetrate the tooth through a cavity or crack. The best way to rid the tooth of the infected pulp without removing it is by visiting a root canal expert, or endodontist. The actual procedure is fairly straightforward and can be performed in as little as thirty minutes, depending on the complexity of the tooth.
When you visit an endodontist for a root canal, they will anesthetize the surrounding area to minimize the discomfort. After administering the anesthetic, they access the inside of the tooth and remove the infected or inflamed pulp. They follow this with a thorough cleaning and disinfection process before sealing the tooth to prevent future infections from forming. Once the procedure is done, your tooth can be properly restored by your general dentist and the surrounding tissue will regenerate. Read this blog for a more detailed overview of the root canal process.
The Benefits of a Root Canal
The obvious benefit of a root canal is that it eradicates the infection and, as a result, prevents it from spreading to neighboring teeth and the surrounding gum tissue. In addition to putting an end to tooth decay, a root canal can save your natural tooth, which is a primary concern of most dental professionals. There are several benefits to preserving natural teeth. In addition to maintaining a uniform aesthetic, keeping your teeth is less painful, more affordable, and much safer than dental implants, bridges, and dentures.
Visit a Root Canal Specialist to Stop Decay & Save Your Tooth
Tooth decay is a natural process, but if you don’t do anything to stop it, it will continue to get worse. There are other options that prevent further degradation of teeth, but a root canal is often the most beneficial because it stops the spread of decay, saves the natural tooth, and allows the surrounding tissue to heal. If you or someone you know suffers from tooth decay, contact and visit your dentist and then schedule an appointment at one of our three convenient locations in central Ohio.