It is understandably one of the most feared procedures in the dental industry for reasons stemming from unimaginable pain to unimaginable cost. However, most people fear the unknown and what they don’t know about the root canal procedure is the fact that it isn’t really as painful as it is painted out to be and second, it is not as expensive as you thought it would be, at least as far as how necessary the procedure is goes.
A root canal is a procedure that is done to save the tooth when it becomes badly decayed or infected. It is mostly done when the nerve of the tooth or the pulp is damaged and during the procedure, both the nerve and pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. The pulp is the soft area within the tooth while the tooth nerve on the other hand, is what lies within the root canals, which are located within the roots or “legs” of the tooth. It is usually done to prevent the spread of infection that can affect your other healthy teeth.
They travel from the tip of the tooth’s root into the pulp, which contains blood vessels and connective tissues that nourish your tooth. The pulp needs to be removed during the procedure because once it is damaged, bacteria begins to build up within the pulp chamber, causing an infection or an abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth and occurs when the infection spreads all the way to the ends of the roots.
An abscess also causes swelling that spreads to areas of the head, face and neck, bone loss around the tip of the root and drainage problems that extend outward from the root. Damage to the nerve and pulp happens when you get too many dental procedures done on your tooth and if you have large fillings, a chip or crack in the tooth, trauma on the face, or deep decay. You know you’ll need a root canal when you experience any of the following symptoms:
• Severe pain upon biting down or application of pressure
• Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures even after it is removed
• When you experience darkening or discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness within the gum area
• Persistent and recurring pimple on the gums
Most people think root canals as painful because of how the procedure is done and the condition your teeth are in when it is done. But in reality, root canals aren’t painful because for one, the dentist will numb your gums with a jelly-like substance and then once the area is numb, he will inject a local anesthetic that will completely numb the teeth, gums, tongue and skin. There is also the option of using nitrous oxide gas to help you relax and reduce the pain.
The dentist will next use a drill and other instruments to remove the pulp from the tooth and will fill the inside part below the gumline with medicines, temporary filling materials and a final root canal filling. He may also separate the decayed tooth from the other teeth with a small sheet of rubber on a metal frame as this helps prevent the liquid and tooth chips from going down your throat.
Through excellent preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, PLUS technologies that make dental visits pleasant, we work with you to achieve a smile that can maximize your personal health and appearance, and raise your self-esteem. Salem Dental is your complete family friendly office, and we can provide a custom solution for your dental needs regardless your age.
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