No one likes to hear they need a root canal! Many patients associate root canals with pain and discomfort.
But local anesthetics and advancements in modern dentistry have made root canals highly tolerable procedures that are often as comfortable as a standard filling. Upon completion, a restored tooth that has undergone a root canal will blend in with surrounding teeth – virtually undetectable to the average eye.
Contrary to popular belief, a root canal is actually a great way to save a tooth. You should consider yourself lucky if the dentist recommends root canal therapy because it means you get to keep your natural tooth! In very simple terms, a root canal removes infected tissue from the roots of the tooth beneath the gums.
To understand root canal therapy, you must know about the structure of a tooth. Inside the hard outer layers of your tooth lives a system of tissues, nerves, and blood cells called the pulp. The pulp runs through root canals in the tooth. These canals allow blood to bring nourishment to and, remove waste from the tooth.
A root canal becomes necessary when a deep cavity or fracture extends into the pulp and allows bacteria to invade the inner chambers of the tooth. Dr. Beeram can often save a tooth by cleaning the canals, filling them with an inert substance, and sealing the tooth with a dental crown. Your original tooth roots remain intact, which is great for your bite, jawbone, and other teeth.
With modern tools and sedation dentistry options, root canal therapy is faster and more comfortable than ever. In fact, our dentists often perform the procedure in just one visit.
Dr. Beeram, at Beach Grove Dental Tsawwassen, is skilled in root canal therapy, so there is no need to put off treatment. We are here to help you relieve your pain.
