Root canals are a common dental procedure that millions of people get each year. However, root canals have a reputation for being painful, which makes many people feel uneasy. Despite this unease, root canals can be an essential part of dental health for many people. To mitigate some fears around this procedure, here are some facts about root canals you may not know.
- Rather than being a procedure, a root canal is actually a specific part of your tooth. It’s the section of your tooth where the blood, lymphatic system, and nerves reside. The pulp tissue around the root of your tooth helps keep it in place and helps your teeth stay strong while they develop. Once your teeth fully develop, this pulpy material isn’t as important, as the tooth can meet its nutritional needs in other ways.
- If the root canal becomes infected, tooth discomfort and pain can occur. In some cases, the infection can spread from the pulp tissue to other parts of your mouth or even other organs. To prevent this infectious spread and to save the tooth, the infection must be removed. This type of procedure is referred to as “root canal therapy” and has been shortened to be known colloquially as a root canal.
Despite fears about pain and discomfort, root canal therapy can be an important part of dental health if infection becomes a problem. Furthermore, modern advancements in dentistry can greatly reduce the pain oftentimes associated with this procedure. Here at the offices of Kenneth R. Russell DDS, we also practice a gentle approach to dentistry to ease your anxiety and limit pain. If you need root canal therapy, call us today!