Until you need one, you may have only heard of root canals in the context of a scary and painful dental procedure. But this negative reputation that root canals have is not the whole story, and too often it scares patients away from what is, at the end of the day, an absolutely necessary treatment. So before you avoid the dentist’s office in fear of a root canal, read on to find out what a root canal really entails and what your Catonsville dentist has to say about this procedure.
When Would I Need a Root Canal?
Your teeth are a complex system of nerves, blood vessels, and tissue, all of which are just as susceptible as any other part of your body to injury or infection. The “pulp” located in the interior of a tooth is one area in particular that can become damaged, and when this occurs, it affects the tooth’s nerves as well and allows bacteria to grow and form an abscess. This is where the majority of the pain associated with the root canal procedure actually comes from: the pain that exists prior to the surgery. Damaged pulp and nerves are extremely sensitive and can cause you a lot of discomfort, so it is important to communicate with your dentist is you have been experiencing a lot of pain. A root canal may be the perfect solution for you.
What Does a Root Canal Entail?
The actual procedure is a fairly routine one that your Catonsville dentist has a lot of experience dealing with. To remove the damaged pulp, a small access hole is drilled into the tooth, and then all of the pulp, bacteria, and any other decayed tissue is scraped away, leaving the area clean and healthy. To protect it from further infection, the tooth is then sealed with a specialized paste and a filling is put in to close up the access hole. If the tooth is so damaged that it needs further restoring, your dentist will discuss options such as crowns or implants with you.
Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville
If you have questions about root canals, or it’s just been a while since you’ve had a cleaning or talked to your dentist, it’s time to make an appointment. You can contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
Disclaimer: The writer of this article is not a medical professional. Information contained herein has been collected from sources believed to be reliable, and every precaution has been taken to ensure its accuracy. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.