Non Surgical Root Canal

Root canal therapy may be one of dentistry’s most misunderstood procedures. The misinformation surrounding this treatment to salvage a tooth is abundant. While many believe that root canal therapy causes pain, the truth is that it is a procedure that eliminates pain and saves the tooth from extraction.

Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Tooth

When a tooth is severely damaged or infected, it is in jeopardy of being extracted unless there is enough healthy tissue to save it. In this situation, the decayed part of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned out, and special instruments are used to remove the nerves and blood vessels from the root of the tooth. Anesthetic is used to numb the area, so you should not feel any pain or discomfort.

After the root canal is thoroughly cleaned from debris, the walls of the canal are smoothed, and a special filling is packed into it. The root canal is then sealed off to prevent bacteria from entering, and the remainder of the tooth is filled with an appropriate filling material. Your dentist may recommend a crown for the tooth to protect it from further damage and provide it with strength and stability.

Pain from an Infected Tooth

Root canal therapy does not cause pain. The pain you feel is caused by the infection in the tooth. When the nerve center or pulp of the tooth is exposed either through decay or a break or crack in the tooth, it becomes extremely sensitive. Infection from decay or exposure often results in an abscess forming at the apex of the tooth root. The swelling and inflammation put pressure on the nerves causing severe pain, and the nerves and blood vessels within the pulp of the tooth begin to die.

Root canal therapy removes the infection and necrotic tissue left in the root canal. Without nerves and blood vessels, the tooth is essentially dead and may become brittle over time. For this reason, your dentist may recommend placing a crown on the tooth after root canal therapy.

Nothing serves you better than your natural teeth. They keep your jawbone healthy and support the structure of your face. Saving a natural tooth is usually the best option when possible. If you have a tooth that is infected or badly decayed, contact Penn Avenue Family Dental now and make an appointment.

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