As your dental care providers, one of our absolute top priorities is to do everything we can to save your natural teeth and keep them as healthy as possible. When your teeth become badly damaged and decayed, one of the tools we use to preserve them is root canal therapy.

What is a root canal?

When the the soft inner tissue of your tooth, also known as the pulp, becomes badly infected you may need a root canal. During a root canal procedure, we will remove the infected pulp of the teeth and clean out the inner canals. After it has been cleaned, the canal of the tooth is sealed and filled, and the tooth is capped off with a dental crown. A root canal can save your tooth, and preserve its’ look and function.

Are root canals painful?

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding root canal therapy, one of which is that the procedure is incredibly painful. On the contrary, the pain associated with root canals is often from the decay and disease present within the tooth. Generally, after a root canal is performed, any pain that you are experiencing will be relieved. During your procedure, we will do our best to keep you as comfortable and pain-free as possible.

Why do I need a root canal?

Oftentimes, without a root canal procedure, you will either lose the tooth or need it to be extracted. Missing teeth can lead to disease and deterioration in your mouth. They can also hurt the alignment of your bite and can cause your teeth to move and become crooked. When you lose a tooth, things like chewing and speaking can become difficult. Tooth replacement options can become painful and pricey. Root canal therapy can prevent tooth loss and can help you preserve the look and function of your smile.

How can I avoid root canal treatments?

The best way to avoid a root canal is to keep your teeth healthy and to see a dentist regularly. Make sure you are practicing good dental habits, like brushing and flossing every day. Maintain a healthy, low-sugar diet. If you feel pain or suspect that one of your teeth is beginning to decay, schedule an appointment with us immediately. The sooner we can diagnose and treat your tooth, the better off you will be.

If you are suffering from extreme tooth decay, root canal therapy may be your best bet to save and restore your tooth before it is too late. If you suspect that you have a problem with any of your teeth, or want to learn more about root canal procedures, give us a call today.