Root Canals: Not as Bad as You Think
Is a root canal at the top of your holiday list this year? We know that root canals are something that you try to avoid at all costs and can create a sense of panic in some patients. Root canals get a bad rap as a procedure full of discomfort; however, this can be further from the truth. Root canals can help save your tooth and eliminate the need for a more in depth procedure such as an implant.
What is a Root Canal?
A tooth consists of multiple layers. The outside layer is the white enamel you see when you smile. Underneath that is a hard layer called dentin, and the inside of the tooth is a soft layer called pulp. A root canal is a form of endodontic treatment that treats the inside of a tooth where the pulp is located. The pulp extends from the tip of the tooth, near the crown, to the very bottom of the tooth, near the roots, and sometimes can become infected. A root canal removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the root, and seals it.
Nothing to Fear
One of the biggest misconceptions about a root canal is that it will be an uncomfortable procedure that will require multiple visits. The discomfort you feel is actually what requires the root canal, so the procedure itself takes away the soreness and infection by removing the pulp from the root. With modern technology, a root canal can typically be completed in a single appointment.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, a root canal may be recommended:
- Severe discomfort while chewing
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Deep tooth decay that can no longer be filled
- Swollen or tender gums
- Lingering teeth sensitivity to cold and hot
Please don’t postpone treatment for a tooth that is causing you discomfort. If an infected tooth is left untreated, it will not heal on its own and will cause more damage to your jaw and body over time. If you have not visited our office located in Spring Hill, FL recently or are feeling any tooth discomfort, please call us today to schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!
