What's a Root Canal?

Every tooth in your mouth has one or more roots. It keeps your tooth in your mouth, and much like the root of a tree, your tooth’s root is the unseen part of the tooth that supports the part of the tooth that you can see.

Each root is hollow and filled with fleshy tissue containing nerves and blood vessels, that dentists call “pulp.”

If the pulp becomes damaged this is where the problem starts which ends in a procedure known affectionately around here as a “Root Canal.” The pulp can get infected and inflamed. It hurts - at times severely. On occasion, the problem can spread beyond the tooth and make a pocket of infection you undoubtedly know as an abscess. That usually hurts even more.

Well, it’s really simple. We have to go in there and clean house. We remove the infected pulp and put some amazing material in its place. Usually that takes care of it. The pain goes away. Then you have your dentist apply a protective crown.

Actually, there is one other solution to your pain. You could have someone pull the tooth out of your mouth. But, you don’t want that, unless it is truly your only option. If your tooth does not have a solid foundation, or if it cannot be rebuilt then it is best to have the tooth removed. Otherwise, it usually makes the most sense to attempt to salvage it. If the tooth does need to be removed then to avoid further complications, you must usually fill the gap that’s left with an implant or bridge. Those options are usually more invasive, expensive and time consuming than simply saving the tooth you already have.

That’s why the root canal is such a wonderful procedure. It is the best solution for an infected tooth, and there’s nothing better than keeping your own teeth. Today a root canal is normally a nothing-to-be-worried-about procedure. We take care of the problem and the pain goes away. Be assured that we will do everything possible to make your experience here a pleasant one.