Being told by a dentist that you need a root canal therapy should not make you feel scared or uneasy. The truth is, the procedure saves millions of teeth every year according to the American Association of Endodontists. It is a pretty common procedure performed by dentists in an attempt to preserve the oral health condition of a person. However, root canal therapy has gained a negative reputation and many people associate it with pain and discomfort. That is probably because of the misunderstandings and unfamiliarity about the treatment.
To clear things out about root canal therapy for our patients at Modern Family Dentistry, we have prepared the things they should know about the procedure. It can help them consider the possible reasons why it is a vital treatment to keep an excellent oral health condition.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Endodontics is the other term used for a root canal therapy. It is made up of two Greek words “Endo” and “-odont/-odonto” which means inside and tooth respectively. So, to put it simply Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that handles the studies and treatment of issues that affect the inside of each tooth. Its primary focus is to save and preserve a tooth structure instead of opting for extractions that would require artificial restorations for its reversal.
Inside a tooth lies the dental pulp located in the center, under the enamel and dentin layers. It is a structure composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that are in charge of the creation of the teeth’s hard tissues during its development. Although the pulp is a vital part of a tooth, once fully matured, it can still survive without its help. Thanks to the tissues that continues to support and nourish the teeth.
Why and How is a Root Canal Therapy Performed?
A root canal therapy is performed on a damaged tooth that can potentially worsen and extend on the inside. Some of the common reasons that the procedure is performed are chips or cracks on the teeth, large fillings, extensive decay, and repeated dental procedures. All these factors may seem different, but one thing is for sure, if left unattended, the problem may spread on the tooth to its pulp.
The pulp would then become inflamed and infected. Once this occurs, it is best to remove any affected portions to prevent it from spreading further including the pulp. The dentist would drill a hole in the problem tooth to gain access to its chamber. Infected pulp, other tissues, and structures will be cleaned out to prevent it from recurring. After cleaning the pulp, fillings will be placed to make sure that the tooth can still be used normally. Dental crowns can even be placed to supply its durability as well as its full function.
If you are suffering from intense pain due to a tooth infection, schedule your appointment with us at Modern Family Dentistry for a Root Canal Therapy in Chesapeake, VA. Our dental office is located at 3326 Taylor Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23321.