Understanding Root Canals

Root canal procedures have a bad reputation, but millions of people’s teeth are treated with root canals every year. In fact, the root canal procedure can be essential for saving a damaged or infected tooth. If your dental professional has told you that you need to have a root canal procedure in San Jose, understanding how it works can help to ease any anxiety you may have about it. Here is some information about root canals.

When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Your dentist will inform you that you need a root canal if you have tooth decay that has damaged the tooth root. Your dentist may also recommend that you have a root canal if you had an injury that caused harm to the root. In either case, the procedure is needed because the root has become infected or the pulp inside the root has been damaged. Root damage can be extremely painful, but a root canal can relieve this pain.

What Occurs During a Root Canal Procedure?

Root canal therapy is a procedure that removes the infected or damaged root pulp and nerve in your tooth, which will relieve you of pain and save the tooth. To prepare the dental site for your procedure, your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic. Your dentist will then clean out the damaged pulp from your tooth’s root canal and shape the canal for filling. Once the permanent filling is in place, your dental professional will reseal your tooth, and may also provide a crown to protect it.

What Are the Benefits of a Root Canal?

One of the top benefits of a root canal procedure is that you get to keep your natural tooth. This allows your smile to continue to be naturally beautiful. A root canal also allows you to better enjoy eating your food. Since you will still have your natural tooth in many cases, will be able to continue chewing efficiently without the pain you had prior to your root canal procedure. This procedure will keep your teeth and smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.