Whenever possible, our dentists want to preserve your natural teeth. Successful root canal therapy can repair an internally damaged tooth to the point that it won’t need extraction. Any discomfort you feel actually comes from the infection inside your tooth, not the procedure itself, and Dr Carr and Dr Christophers always make sure patients remain safe and comfortable during any procedure. After your root canal, the infection inside your tooth will subside, and so will your discomfort.
Your tooth contains an outer shell of enamel, a softer layer of dentin, and an inner core called pulp that contains nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay or significant trauma can allow bacteria to infiltrate the tooth’s canal, which creates an infection that causes the pulp to die. If this happens, pressure builds up inside, and you can develop an abscess. Without treatment, you could suffer more discomfort and may even lose the tooth.
During the root canal, the dentist will remove the diseased tissue, disinfect the area, and fill the canal with a bio-compatible material. After root canal therapy, the tooth may need a crown to protect the remaining tooth structure.
For more information about how root canal therapy can improve your oral health, please contact Envisage Dental Studio today.