No Need to Fear the Root Canal

Root canal procedures have a terrible reputation. The idea of a root canal is often synonymous with unpleasantness such as extreme discomfort and extended downtime. If you think you would rather get any other type of dental procedure other than a root canal, you may want to educate yourself on the truth. Root canal treatment really isn’t that bad. Though the infection runs deeper than a regular cavity, the procedure is very comparable to a dental filling.

Inner Teeth

Root canals are passageways inside each individual tooth. They branch from just below the crown of your teeth down to the tip of the roots is the canal. You have between one and four roots in each of your tooth. These roots are located inside the dental pulp below the gumline, along with blood vessels, nerves and other tissues. When roots become overrun by bacteria, infection can spread and turn into a potentially dangerous abscessed tooth. Without proper treatment, there’s a high chance you’ll have to have the entire unhealthy tooth extracted. Then, you have a new problem on your hands – figuring out a replacement method to restore your smile.

Root Canal Treatments

Before you get to the stage where you have to face saying goodbye to an entire tooth, a root canal treatment will stop the infection and restore full function to your damaged smile. The tissue affected by the germs is removed, and the area is cleansed and disinfected. Dentists are able to actually reshape root canals, and fill the area with infection preventing medicine. A temporary filling or crown will be placed over where the tissues have been removed. In order to protect the pulp and fragile nerves while you await your next appointment, a temporary dental crown is usually placed. At your next appointment, a custom-made crown will be affixed, and you will have fully functioning tooth again.

Visit your Pella Dentist

Dr. Jeffrey Allen is a family dentist in Pella, Iowa, and understands the severity of dry mouth and other oral health problems. Serving families in Pella, Oskaloosa, Lynnville, and the surrounding areas, Dr. Allen provides his patients with quality, family dental care. Call (641) 628-1121 to reserve an appointment.