subject: Root Canal Therapy - Should You Believe The Myth? [print this page] Upon hearing that you need a root canal, you may experience fear and stress. To some people, just the thought of a root canal can send shivers soaring up their arms because many people associate root canal therapy with extreme pain. However, the idea that root canal therapy is extremely painful is very misleading. With advancements in dentistry, you no longer need to worry about root canal therapy. This procedure is recommended when a tooth is severely infected, causing you extreme pain. The purpose of root canal therapy is to relieve your pain, not to add to it. So the next time your dentist recommends a root canal for treatment, don't fret - your pain will be eliminated, not worsened.
What is a Root Canal?
Located in the center of every tooth is the pulp, which provides nutrients to the nerves of each tooth. When a tooth is infected, it can spread to the pulp. If the pulp dies, you are at risk of losing the tooth. This means the pulp will need removed in order to save your tooth. And that's where root canal therapy comes in. Root canal therapy involves the dentist making a small hole in the tooth to remove the infection, along with the infected nerves and blood vessels located inside the tooth roots. The inside of the roots are then cleaned and shaped, and a tooth-filling material is placed to block infection from the tooth.
Why do I need Root Canal Therapy?
It is common to ask - Do I really need a root canal? Your teeth are tough on the outside, but inside have a soft core called the nerve chamber. This inner core of your tooth is made up of nerve tissue and blood vessels that feed the nerve. Deep decay, a filling, or an injury to the tooth can cause serious irritation of the nerve.
You may need root canal treatment when your tooth is infected or if there is damage to the pulp that can't be fixed. An untreated cavity is one of the main causes of a pulp infection. Decay erodes the enamel and dentin of the tooth until it reaches a root canal, which allows bacteria to infect the pulp. The inflammation that is caused by the infection reduces the blood supply to the tooth, which keeps the pulp from healing.
Trauma or a fractured tooth can damage the pulp. In addition, many restorations, such as several fillings placed in the same tooth over a period of time, can also damage your tooth. Even common dental procedures, such as preparing the tooth for a crown, can hurt the pulp, resulting in the need for a root canal. If root canal treatment is not done, your infected tooth may have to be extracted. In the end, keeping your natural teeth is important, so root canal therapy is needed.
Early Detection for Easy Treatment
Root canals can be easily preventable with regular flossing, brushing and routine visits with your South Pasadena dentist. The earlier you identify a diseased tooth, the better your chances of saving and fully recovering the tooth. Look for the following signs and symptoms to detect an infected pulp:
*A broken tooth
*A discolored tooth, with or without pain
*Sensitivity to cold and heat
*Swelling around the effected tooth
*Tenderness to touch and chewing
Whether an untreated cavity or a trauma has infected your tooth, you'll want to visit your South Pasadena dentist right away. When a tooth is severely decayed, root canal therapy is usually the only option for saving the tooth. Talk with your dentist about any fears or doubts you have about the procedure. This can ease any apprehension before the procedure is preformed, and help you feel more comfortable about the treatment.
