Root canals get a bad rap in pop culture and in your average conversation. You’ve probably seen countless TV shows and movies depicting root canal procedures as incredibly painful experiences. Most people don’t even know why these dental procedures are performed! Despite all the scary stories and rumors floating around, root canals play a huge role in saving infected teeth. They offer numerous benefits that can help preserve your natural teeth and stop painful infections. So next time you see a root canal performed, know that it’s doing a LOT more good than harm!
What Is a Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal treatment focuses on removing infected tooth pulp from inside your tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that help your tooth develop. When bacteria enter this area through deep cavities or cracks, they can cause severe infections. During the root canal procedure, your dentist carefully removes the infected pulp, cleans the inner chambers of your teeth, and seals it to prevent future infections.
The root canal treatment steps are pretty straightforward. First, you’ll receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Your dentist creates a small opening in the tooth to access the infected area. They use specialized tools to clean out the infected pulp and shape the inner canals. After thorough cleaning and disinfection, they fill the space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Finally, they seal the tooth and often place a crown to protect it from further damage.
Stopping Pain and Infection
One of the biggest benefits of root canals is their ability to stop tooth pain dead in its tracks. When your tooth pulp gets infected, it can cause intense discomfort, especially with hot or cold foods. The infection can create pressure inside your tooth, leading to a constant throbbing pain that keeps you up at night. A root canal removes the source of this pain — the infected pulp and irritated nerves.
The treated tooth won’t just feel better temporarily, as the procedure eliminates the infection that’s causing all your discomfort. Without treatment, dental infections can spread to surrounding teeth and even into your jaw. This can lead to more serious health issues and repeated dental procedures down the road. By getting a root canal when needed, you’re putting a stop to the infection before it can cause more damage.
Saving Your Natural Teeth
The best thing about root canals? They help you keep your natural teeth. In the past, the only option for badly infected teeth was extraction. But losing natural teeth can cause all sorts of problems — shifting of remaining teeth, difficulty chewing, and changes in your bite alignment. Root canal treatment gives infected teeth a second chance.
After a root canal, your treated tooth can last just as long as your other natural teeth with proper care. The procedure removes the damaged soft tissue while leaving the tooth structure intact. This means you get to maintain your natural smile and normal bite function. The treated tooth will still be able to handle the daily pressures of chewing and speaking just like before.
Preventing Future Complications
Getting a root canal helps you avoid more complex dental issues in the future. When infected teeth are left untreated, the infection can spread to your jawbone and surrounding tissues. This can lead to painful abscesses, bone loss, and even systemic health problems. Root canals stop this progression in its tracks.
The procedure also helps prevent the need for more extensive (and expensive) dental work later. If an infected tooth isn’t treated with a root canal, it may eventually need to be extracted. This could mean getting an implant, bridge, or partial denture — all of which involve more time, money, and procedures than a simple root canal would have required.
Make the Right Choice for Your Smile With CCED
Root canals might sound scary, but they’re actually one of the most helpful procedures in dentistry. They save infected teeth, stop pain, and help you maintain your natural smile. When you need a root canal, the key is working with skilled professionals who can make the experience as comfortable as possible.
At Center City Emergency Dentist, we perform root canals and other oral surgery procedures with exceptional care. Our team knows exactly how to handle infected teeth and guide you through the treatment process. We’re ready to help preserve your natural teeth and get you back to a healthy, pain-free smile.