A root canal is a common dental procedure that greatly benefits oral health. While the idea of getting a root canal might sound scary to some people, understanding what it involves and how it helps can make it less intimidating. If you need a root canal, your dentist has determined it is a necessity. Otherwise, you may experience worsening dental issues.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment that repairs and saves a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Inside each tooth is a soft area called the pulp. This contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp can become infected or damaged due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, or a crack or chip in the tooth.
During a root canal procedure, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans the inside of the tooth, and then fills and seals it. This helps to save the tooth and prevent further infection.
How a Root Canal Can Benefit Your Oral Health
One of the most immediate benefits of a root canal is pain relief. An infected or damaged tooth can cause severe pain. This may make it difficult to eat, talk, or even sleep. A root canal removes the infected pulp, eliminating the source of the pain and allowing you to return to your normal activities.
If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to more serious problems. The infection can spread to other parts of the mouth, face, or even the bloodstream. Removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth helps prevent the spread of infection. As a result, this protects your overall health.
One of the main goals of a root canal is to save your natural tooth. Losing a tooth can lead to other dental problems, such as shifting teeth, difficulty chewing, and changes in your bite. Keeping your natural teeth helps maintain the proper alignment of your teeth and preserves your ability to chew and speak properly.
A missing tooth can affect your appearance and self-confidence. A root canal helps maintain your smile and keep you looking your best. A natural tooth also feels and functions better than an artificial replacement.
A successful root canal can last a lifetime with proper care. You can avoid more complex and costly dental procedures in the future when you treat the infection properly. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help keep your teeth and gums healthy after a root canal.
Why Might You Need a Root Canal?
There are several reasons why you might need a root canal. Here are some common ones:
Severe Tooth Decay: If a cavity is not treated, it can grow and reach the pulp inside the tooth, causing infection.
Cracked or Broken Tooth: An injury or accident can cause a tooth to crack or break, exposing the pulp to bacteria.
Repeated Dental Procedures: Multiple treatments on the same tooth can irritate the pulp and lead to infection.
Deep Fillings: If a filling is very deep and close to the pulp, it can sometimes cause damage.