There are few dental procedures as notorious as the root canal. In the past, the technologies and methods used to complete this procedure led to quite a few horror stories. Fortunately, those issues became a thing of the past as dental technologies and aesthesia methods improved. The root canal performed in modern dental offices like Dental Remedies are done using anesthetic to eliminate pain and modern dental tools to quickly and safely remove decay and painful or inflamed root systems. Despite the fact that most people have heard of the root canal procedure, there is still often confusion about what it is and how to determine if you need one.

What is a root canal?  

The roots of your teeth are filled with a soft tissue called pulp which can become infected or inflamed. A root canal is a procedure where the dentist removes the pulp that is present inside of the tooth root. This pulp can become infected and inflamed leading to severe pain. Once the infected pulp is removed, the dentist cleans the canal and fills it to prevent future infection. Getting a root canal can save the natural tooth by stopping the spread of infection.

What are the signs that I need a root canal?

The signs that you need a root canal can be similar to the signs you experience with other dental issues such as decay, gum disease, and injury. Pain, increased sensitivity to hot or cold, and swollen or tender gums are all potential signs that you may need a root canal. If you are dealing with these issues it may or may not be a sign that you need a root canal but they are definitely a sign that you need to get in to see your dentist.

What issues make a root canal procedure necessary?

The issues that lead to infected or inflamed pulp in the root of your tooth include decay and injuries such as crack or chips. These factors basically make your tooth root more vulnerable to bacteria. Determining if your tooth needs a root canal is not something you can do on your own. If you are dealing with deep decay or have some type of injury to the tooth that is causing you problems, schedule an appointment with your dentist to be evaluated for a root canal.

The root canal is a tooth-saving dental procedure. Oftentimes a tooth with infected pulp has other issues on the surface as well. A root canal can help eliminate the pain that comes with having infected pulp. As a part of getting your tooth back to a healthy place, your dentist will also address the problem that made your root pulp vulnerable to infection in the first place.