There is a lot of stigma surrounding root canals. Countless movies and television shows portray them as painful affairs to be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, that’s just not the case. Root canals are surprisingly common procedures, with an estimated 15.1 million root canals performed in the United States annually. But even with such a prolific procedure, many people don’t know what it actually entails.
A root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure to remove bacteria from an infected root canal. This process helps save the natural tooth and prevent reinfection. During the root canal, the infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned out, disinfected and sealed. While that may seem like a difficult procedure, a root canal is nothing to worry about. It’s actually the best way to relieve any pain you may be experiencing and save the tooth.
Your teeth aren’t made of enamel all the way down. Beneath the enamel and the hard underlayer of dentin is the tooth pulp. This pulp contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels, which all help grow and nourish the tooth during its development. Unfortunately, sometimes the internal pulp of a tooth can get infected. This can be serious because an infection in the root of a tooth can easily spread into the bloodstream and through the rest of the body. Once an infection has taken hold, a root canal is necessary.
A root canal is a much easier procedure than most people think. Your endodontist will make a small opening in the crown of the tooth, and clean the infected pulp from the pulp chamber. They will then shape the root canals for filling. Once the area is cleaned and prepared, the endodontist will fill the root canal with material to completely seal the root canals. Finally, a temporary filling is placed in the small opening on the top of the tooth. A crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to complete the procedure by your general dentist.
Root canals are the best way to keep your natural smile and limits further dental work needed. When done correctly, most teeth that have undergone a root canal can last a lifetime. Root canals are a surprisingly routine procedure. In fact, it’s very similar to a cavity filling and is relatively painless. Typically completed in one or two appointments, root canals are the best way to save a tooth and prevent the need for retreatment.
At Central Ohio Endodontics, our professionals work hard to keep your smile shining. From chipped teeth to root canals, we make sure your mouth is healthy. If you’re experiencing temperature sensitivity, difficulty chewing, or other issues with your teeth, we can help. Visit our website or call Central Ohio Endodontics today.