(559) 875-7980You may have been told you need root canal treatment during a visit to your dentist. Typically, these are needed to save and repair a tooth that is severely decayed or infected. The root canal involves removing damaged areas and disinfection before the tooth is filled and sealed.
Using this process, the dentist alleviates pain and prevents the spread of infection while preserving the tooth. To learn more about root canal treatment in Sanger, we encourage you to call our office and schedule an evaluation.
What Is a Root Canal?
There are several layers to your teeth. The white outermost layer is called enamel. A yellowish tissue called dentin surrounds the pulp just below the enamel. The pulp is at the tooth’s center and contains the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
The pulp extends from the crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots within canals, known as root canals. Cementum is a layer of connective tissue that binds the roots of the teeth to the gums and jawbone, while the periodontal ligament helps hold the teeth against the jaw.
A root canal treatment is used to help repair and save teeth for people in Sanger. The dentist anesthetizes the area using a local anesthetic, so the procedure is pain-free. Next, an opening is made through the crown into the pulp chamber.
The dentist cleans the root canals with specialized instruments to remove any diseased or dead pulp. The area is disinfected, so any remaining bacteria is killed, which reduces the chance the infection will spread.
Once the canals are cleaned and disinfected, your dentist prepares them for filling with a biocompatible material. After the canals are filled, they are sealed along with the pulp chamber with a temporary or permanent filling to prevent new infections.
Finally, the tooth is restored to help protect it and allow full function. A crown may be necessary for restoration, especially if a significant amount of the tooth was removed or if the tooth weakens over time.
Why Does Your Dentist Recommend a Root Canal?
There are several reasons why your dentist might recommend root canal treatment. Primarily, these reasons are related to the tooth pulp and surrounding tissue. Infections and abscesses can also damage the root of the tooth. A strong impact can fracture a tooth or cause significant damage even without visible cracks or chips. When cavities penetrate the outer enamel and dentin layers, they can lead to inflammation and infection.
A root canal removes the decayed pulp, seals the tooth so further damage cannot happen, and can help preserve functionality. Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth can stress the pulp and create inflammation. A root canal can resolve the underlying issues. Root canals are typically recommended to save a tooth, alleviate pain, or prevent the spread of infection.
Myths About Root Canal Treatment
There are several common misconceptions about root canals in Sanger, such as that they should be avoided at all costs or cause undue pain or illness. While they may have been painful in the past, modern technology and pain-numbing medications have created an experience similar to having a cavity filled. In most cases, people in Sanger find root canal treatments can be done quickly and comfortably.
You may have heard pulling a tooth is better than having a root canal treatment. However, maintaining your natural teeth is always the best option. No artificial tooth, bridge, or implant can replace the look or function of a natural tooth.
Your tooth also helps maintain your jawbone, so replacing a tooth with a bridge or an implant costs more time and money and may also impact your jawbone over the years. That is because when a root canal treatment is done, the roots are not removed. They remain in place against the bone.
Finally, you may have heard that if your tooth does not hurt, there is no need for a root canal. While intense pain is a telltale sign of infection and damage, there are times when you do not feel pain, but the tooth may still need treatment. If the pulp has been infected or damaged, a root canal can help save the tooth.
Learn More About Root Canal Treatment in Sanger
Root canal treatment was once painful and distressing, but with advancements in pain control and strategy, it now feels like filling a cavity. If you are struggling with pain or discomfort or need root canal treatment in Sanger, we encourage you to call our office today for a consultation with one of our skilled and experienced dentists.