We often field a lot of questions about root canal therapy, including why it’s performed and what it involves. Let’s take a moment right now to consider these matters.

Understanding the Anatomy of a Tooth

To address root canal therapy, it’s important to first consider the structure of the teeth. Within each tooth is a hollow chamber that contains a substance known as dental pulp. This dental pulp is a mix of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that are bundled together and lead down into the jawbone. The pulp was essential for the initial formation of a tooth, providing it with proper nutrients. Once a tooth is matured, the dental pulp is around simply to help a tooth feel sensations of heat, cold, and pressure.

Causes of Tooth Infections

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria breaches the outer enamel layer of a tooth and the dentin layer of a tooth to reach the pulp chamber. When the dental pulp is infected, it can be quite painful, and it can lead to other serious health problems.

The most common causes of tooth infections include major tooth decay and severe tooth damage. In both of these cases, the tooth structure is so compromised that bacteria reaches the interior of the tooth.

Why Tooth Infections Need to Be Taken Seriously

When a tooth is infected, it is not just seriously painful, A dangerous abscess may form in the infected tooth, which has to be dealt with professionally to avoid spread of infection to other structures of the mouth as well as the bloodstream.

About Root Canal Therapy

Root canal therapy is a process in which the infected dental pulp is removed and the pulp chamber of the tooth is sterilized. By doing this, the infectious soft tissue is eliminated and patients no longer have to suffer from the pain of an infected tooth.

Is root canal therapy painful?

While some pain and discomfort is associated with root canal therapy, it is nowhere near as bad as its reputation. Modern techniques in pain management have made root canal therapy less painful that it has been in the past, and patients will find the root canal less painful than the tooth infection that they suffer from.

What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy

During root canal therapy, the infected tooth is drilled in order to access the dental pulp chamber. The infected dental pulp is carefully removed, and the inner structure of the tooth is carefully sterilized to eliminate all of the bacteria that may cause further or repeat infection. The tooth is filled with an inert material and capped with a crown so patients can bite and chew as they normally would.

Learn More About Root Canal Therapy

For more information about the treatment options for root canal infections, be sure to contact our family dental care center today. The team here at Brown & Baran Family Dentistry looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.