Root canals are dental procedures used to treat tooth issues that stem from severe decay or infections. They can allow patients to retain their natural teeth while simultaneously alleviating their pain and suffering. Although only a dentist can decide whether or not a root canal in Gainesville is the right solution, any patient interested in finding out more about the procedure can learn more below.
Removing Damaged Pulp
The primary goal of a root canal is to remove damaged nerve tissue or pulp within a tooth. Failing to do so can create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in the pulp chamber, leading to infection and dangerous abscesses. Damaged or infected pulp can also cause swelling, bone loss, and even drainage of infected material into the surrounding tissue.
Reducing Pain
A tooth’s nerve is not essential to its functionality, so removing it is the perfect way to reduce pain and inflammation without requiring a full extraction. Damage to nerves and pulp can occur due to severe decay, large fillings, acute facial trauma, cracks and chips in the tooth, and repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. When nerve damage has occurred, everything from chewing food to drinking hot or cold liquids and even speaking can become quite painful, but a root canal can alleviate that pain and restore normal function to the tooth in one fell swoop.
How Does it Work?
Once the damaged tissue is removed from a tooth, a crown will be placed over it to ensure that no more bacteria can get in and that the tooth maintains its structural integrity. These crowns are designed to mimic both the functionality and appearance of normal teeth and can be cared for in much the same way.
What to Expect
Root canals have an ill-deserved reputation for being painful when in reality the entire area is numbed for the procedure and sensitivity is generally only present for the first several days after it has been completed. Anyone who isn’t sure whether or not a root canal in Gainesville is the right solution should consult a qualified dentist as soon as possible, as putting it off can only lead to further damage. Click here to find information about one local dental office that can help.
