For many dental patients, root canals are the cause of some stress. Many patients only know that root canals are painful and therefore do everything they can to avoid them. In truth, though, root canals are an important part of dentistry and can actually save you a great deal of pain and discomfort.
Root canals are actually misnomers. In fact, root canals are a part of the teeth. Although the teeth appear to be made of a hard, solid substance, inside the teeth you can find a pulp tissue that includes the teeth’s nerves. Root canals are actually the parts of a tooth’s nerve which join the root to the tooth’s pulp chamber. Root canal therapy is what treats the damaged root canals, although many people simply shorten the term “root canal therapy” into “root canal”.
You may need a root canal if the inside of your tooth becomes damaged. Most often, damage occurs to the tooth’s “pulp tissue” which consist of nerve fibers, arteries, veins, lymph vessels, and connective tissue. In some cases, extreme pressure on the tooth, extreme temperatures, cracked teeth or advanced tooth decay cause damage to the inside of the tooth. When this happens, the nerves of the teeth respond, causing extreme pain for the patient. Root canal therapy can help alleviate the pain.
During a root canal, the nerve tissue is actually removed from the tooth. This helps prevent the symptoms associated with infected or damaged tissue – including extreme pain – and can allow the dentist to save the tooth as well. During the root canal, e a rubber dam is placed around the affected tooth to protect the tooth. In some cases, anesthetic is administered. A small opening is made in the tooth that allows the dentist to reach the damaged part of tooth. The dentist will then remove the damaged tissue and will fill and seal the root canal using a material called guttapercha. A filling is used to close the tooth again.
It is important to see your dentist regularly. While some patients needing root canal treatments need to visit their dentists because the pain becomes severe, some patients experience no pain at all. This can actually be a more dangerous situation, since not getting a required root canal can cause you to lose a tooth. Delaying treatment can also cause other complications to your situation.
If you notice any pain in your mouth, changes in color of any teeth, or any changes in your gums, contact your dentist at once. You may need a root canal. Also, contact West LA Dental today if it has been a while since your last dental appointment. You will want to take care of any potential problems up front.